UTi taps UPS executive as CEO

UTi Worldwide said it has appointed UPS executive Eric W. Kirchner as its new chief executive officer, effective about Jan. 19.

   Kirchner also will become a member of UTi's board of directors.

   He succeeds Roger I. MacFarlane, one of the company's original founders. MacFarlane, 63, will serve in a transitional role through April, at which time he will retire, as previously announced. MacFarlane will remain a member of the board of directors and will become the company's non-executive chairman effective on Kirchner's start date.

   Tiger Wessels, currently chairman, will continue as a board member.

   Kirchner, 49, comes to UTi Worldwide from UPS Supply Chain Solutions where he was president of Freight Forwarding overseeing a global organization responsible for strategy, financial performance and revenue growth for freight forwarding services. He joined UPS Supply Chain Solutions when it acquired Menlo Worldwide Forwarding Inc. in 2004 where he served as chief operating officer.

   Kirchner brings more than 27 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry to UTi Worldwide. Prior to his career at UPS Supply Chain Solutions, he served in roles of increasing responsibility at Emery Worldwide and Menlo Worldwide Forwarding Inc., divisions of Con-Way Inc.

Source: American Shipper