David Wells OBE (pictured) has stepped down from his role as chief executive of Logistics UK, a role he held since early 2015.
Wells was responsible for the organisation’s rebrand from the Freight Transport Association in 2020, and a new corporate strategy which grew the organisation’s influence.
Wells received an OBE in 2022, and has overseen record levels of Logistics UK membership, with 21,600 members recorded in spring 2025.
A search is currently underway to find a replacement after Wells notified the organisation’s president in January of his intention to step down.
Wells said: “Ten years at the helm of this fantastic organisation serving an amazing industry have flown by.
“At some point it is right to hand the baton to the next leader to take the organisation forward with fresh ideas and energy.
“I want to thank my wonderful colleagues and members for all they have done in support of our mission to see the sector recognised as the vital economic infrastructure that serves everybody, everywhere, every day.
“We’ve made great progress in the last ten years but there is still a great deal to do and I’m sure the next leader will enjoy and rise to the challenge.”
Wells joined Logistics UK in 2009 as finance director.
Phil Roe, president at Logistics UK, said: “David has steered the organisation smoothly through a decade of significant change, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit and issues at the UK’s borders, with a calm focus that has inspired the team.
“He has the ability to engage with everyone, from the most junior member of staff to those at the highest levels of Government, with empathy and enthusiasm, and has always prioritised the needs of our members above all else.
“Thanks to his stewardship, Logistics UK is now regarded as one of the country’s leading business groups and he should be proud of the legacy he leaves for his successor.
“On behalf of all our staff and members, I’d like to thank him for all his hard work and wish him every success in his next challenge.”
