bob richards oakland international

Richards has previously worked for Bidvest Logistics, Palletways and Heinz

Oakland International has appointed supply chain veteran Bob Richards to the post of general manager at its specialist multi-temperature facility in Redditch, Worcestershire.

Oakland is a family business that provides contract packing, storage, picking and tempering. It supports the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and foodservice markets via hubs and facilities in the UK, Ireland and an overseas partner in Spain.

Richards’ previous senior and director roles include PHS Group, where he was most recently head of operations, Bidvest Logistics, Christian Salvesen, TDG, Palletways, David Hathaway Transport and Heinz.

Oakland said Richards had 30 years’ management experience and a proven record in “continual improvement, man-management and process management”.

Oakland managing director Shaun Foley said Richards’ knowledge and extensive sector experience would be “a significant asset” to the Redditch operation.

Richards described his new company has “a great business with real growth potential in a challenging marketplace”.

“Seeing the business in peak trading will assist me as I look at the structure, working patterns and the team and help formulate and support the design of the business strategy.”