DB Cargo UK appoints new Chief Operating Officer

DB Cargo UK has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to drive further improvements in its operational performance and customer service.

Neil Ethell, who was formerly the company’s Head of Operations and Service Delivery, will take over the new role with immediate effect.
Neil has more than two decades of experience in logistics having joined the company in 2002. Since then he has held a number of senior roles at DB, developing an in-depth knowledge of rail freight operations, service delivery, asset and resource management.

Commenting on his appointment, Neil said: “I am relishing the challenge of joining the UK Board at a time when the industry continues to face some significant operational challenges as we emerge from the pandemic and post-Brexit transition period.

“The world of rail freight is changing and we need to change with it to ensure we can continue to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable services that not just meet but exceed our customers’ expectations in the future,” he added.

Neil’s appointment is the latest in a series of UK Board changes made by the company’s new CEO Andrea Rossi who earlier this year announced a new strategy to achieve the company’s vision to become the first choice for rail logistics in the UK.

Commenting on Neil’s appointment, Andrea said: “Neil’s promotion comes after a rigorous selection process and I am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the UK Board to further improve the overall customer experience provided by DB. 

“To coincide with Neil’s appointment, we are also taking the opportunity to make a number of internal, organisational changes to strengthen links between our Sales and Service Design functions which I’m confident will make us much more agile and responsive to our customers’ needs,” he added.

As a result of these changes, Head of Sales Roger Neary will now become Chief Sales Officer, a title which more accurately reflects his position within the company and wider industry.