Board of Stobart Directors

Andrew Tinkler - Chief Executive Officer
William Stobart - Chief Operating Officer
David Irlam - Executive Director
Ben Whawell - Chief Financial Officer
Trevor Howarth - Legal Director/ Company Secretary

Non Executive Directors

Rodney Baker Bates - Chairman
Nick Watts - Senior
Daniel Dayan
Jesper Kjaedegaard
Michael Kayser

Biographies are detailed below:


Andrew Tinkler
Chief Executive Officer

In 1988 Andrew Tinkler formed WA Tinkler Building Contractors, later to become WA Developments, an incredibly successful business focussed on civil engineering and railway infrastructure. It is now part of the Group and is known as 'Stobart Rail'.

In 2004, Andrew acquired Eddie Stobart Ltd with colleague William Stobart. Andrew was appointed as Chairman of the Group.

Andrew was made the Institute of Directors' North West Director of the Year in 2006.

He was intimately involved in taking the Eddie Stobart Group into its merger with Westbury Property Fund to form the Stobart Group, a London Stock Exchange listed public limited company.


William Stobart
Chief Operating Officer

Long-time Director of Eddie Stobart, William started his career at the family's haulage business.

He carried out a broad spectrum of roles, including HGV Driver, Planner and Manager, within Stobart during his early career.  This comprehensive experience has given him an in-depth understanding fo every level of the business.

In 2001, William left Eddie Stobart to join WA Developments Limited as a shareholding Director, and in 2004, following Stobart's aquisition, he returned to the Company as Managing Director.

As Chief Operating Officer, William continues to be closely involved with the day-to-day operation of the Stobart Group.


David Irlam
Executive Director

David Irlam joined the Stobart Board with the takeover in April 2008 of James Irlam Logistics.

David started his career in the family business nearly 30 years ago as a Driver.  He held a variety of management positions within Irlam before becoming MD and later CEO of James Irlam.

He was instrumental in expanding the Irlam business, leading contract negotiations and building relationships with blue chip clients.

More recently, he has been active in developing strategies and systems for Irlam's that have significantly increased sales and profit.  He now brings that long experience at the cutting edge of logistics to the Group.


Ben Whawell
Chief Financial Officer

Qualified Chartered Accountant, Ben Whawell started his career in Grant Thornton, where he progressed to become a Senior Corporate Finance Manager.

He joined Eddie Stobart in 2004 after advising WA Developments International Limited on the acquisition of the business.  Ben has managed the International Division, been active in reshaping the Group and led the implementation of a number of innovative finance and IT initiatives.

Ben Whawell also oversaw the Company's merger with Westbury, forming Stobart Group, and, recently, the aquisition of James Irlam, Innovate and WA Developments.



Trevor Howarth
Legal Director/Company Secretary

Trevor Howarth joined the company as Group Legal Director and has over 20 years legal experience. Within a matter of weeks Trevor became licensed by the Bar Standards Board to instruct counsel direct on behalf of the group resulting in substantial savings on legal fees. Since joining the company he has over seen a review of the company’s insurances and has brought in house the management of all claims.

Trevor’s legal expertise has provided the company with immediate legal advice on a wide range of legal issues.

In March 2009 Trevor was appointed as the Company Secretary.

 

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