Courier industry heavyweight Jonathan Smith has today been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of APC Overnight.

The move marks the first time in the company’s 20 year history that someone from outside the business has taken the top position.

As Managing Director of DHL Domestic (UK), Jonathan led the separation of the business from its global parent, as well as its integration with the Home Delivery Network. He was subsequently appointed as the new company’s CEO, a position he held until 2012.

Jonathan has also held other CEO roles both within and outside of the logistics sector.

Speaking about his new appointment Jonathan said: 'APC Overnight has achieved impressive year on year growth for the last 20 years, including significant expansion and investment in 2012 that has helped the company accommodate increasing demand for its service. 

'My first role as CEO will be to conduct an in-depth review of the company’s operations, in order to develop a strategy on how APC Overnight can continue to expand into what has become one of the UK’s most rapidly changing sectors.'

Former CEO, Karl Brown, will continue to sit on APC Overnight’s board of directors as well as maintaining his position as chairman of his three APC Overnight depots; Direct Logistics, in Thorne and Express Logistics in Nottingham and Stockport.

Speaking about the new appointment Jon Barber, Chairman of APC Overnight, said: 'It has been a long term aspiration of the business to appoint an independent external chief executive to take over the reins of the business and that was one of my main aims when taking on the role of Chairman.

'With Jonathan’s appointment the business will be entering into the next stage of its development, building on our existing high service levels and nationwide network of 115 independent delivery businesses. We’re looking forward to some further insight and support in taking the business forward.'

For more information on APC Overnight, visit www.apc-overnight.com.