Exertis welcomes new COO

Kevin Paterson brought on board to oversee integration of Computers Unlimited and oversee logistics strategy

Distribution giant Exertis has signed a new chief operating officer to spearhead its general logistics strategy.

Kevin Paterson (pictured), who has previously held senior management positions at Universal Music Group, Vodafone and HP Enterprise Services, has joined to replace previous COO Robert White, who left the distributor in March.

Part of his remit will be to oversee the integration of consumer electronics distributor Computers Unlimited, which was acquired by Exertis’ parent company DCC earlier this year.

He will also manage the new purpose-built 450,000 sq ft UK national distribution centre based in Burnley Bridge Business Park and be tasked with driving further improvement initiatives across the business.

Paterson said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Exertis particularly in view of the current change programmes and opportunities they create, it fully plays to my strengths and passion around business change.

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the new challenges and opportunities that lie in store.”

Gerry O’Keeffe, managing director UK and Ireland of Exertis, said: “Kevin will become the voice of the customer in all that we do, ensuring we are constantly expanding our service offering to our customers.”