Member Article

Director Russ Sets Sail for Retirement After Decades with Europa

Europa Worldwide Group’s Domestic Transport Director has turned off the ignition and is settling into retirement after more than 40 years working for and with the business.

Russ McNally is a true Europa veteran, having started his association with the company in the 1970s when he worked for AGA Freight Ltd, and during his time there ran the imports, exports and operations. He also worked at Reeve Freight Services and launched his own business before being approached by Europa Worldwide to return as General Manager -Transport in 1999.

When Andrew Baxter acquired Europa in 2014, Russ was starting to consider retirement and winding down his ‘office hours’ to 3 days a week – but Andrew couldn’t let Russ leave and convinced him to stay while he reshaped and redirected the business, offering him the role of Domestic Transport Director and a place on the Board.

Russ, 63, who is a father-of-two and lives in Maidstone, said: “I can’t quite believe my time at Europa has now finally come to a close, despite having tried to retire once before! I’m so pleased I decided to stay on when Andrew acquired the business because what followed were the best and most challenging years of my career.

“I took on the role of Domestic Transport Director and my place on the Board at a pivotal time, just as the business launched its 1hub concept in 2015, a £30m facility in Dartford designed to speed up transit times and reduce handling by centralising all of its European road freight in one location. This was to be the UK’s largest European groupage hub with all of Europa Road’s 11 regional branches around the UK trunking directly into the hub – and over the last four years it has completely transformed how the business operates, increased profits and streamlined efficiency.

“Being part of this major redirection of the business was an absolute rollercoaster and no doubt the biggest achievement of my career. At times it was overwhelming and it felt like we might not come out the other side – but with such a passionate and determined team in place, we made it happen. Staying at Europa to see the business become a market leader – when before Andrew acquired it, it had reached a plateau – has meant I’ve been part of an incredible process and I’m so pleased I was there to see the business reap the rewards.”

Europa Worldwide’s Managing Director Andrew Baxter added: “I knew Russ would be instrumental in bringing about the success of 1hub so I had to convince him to stay in 2014! He was responsible for helping to mastermind the re-planning and restructuring of how we operate our domestic and European services and his vast experience and fantastic approach meant he was the perfect person to deliver it. I wish Russ all the best in his retirement and want to thank him once again for offering his expertise and advice through a hugely disruptive and challenging time for Europa which has seen us realise our potential and smash through previously unbreakable barriers.”

Russ added: “What’s made my time at Europa so memorable and enjoyable are the people. Everyone is full of enthusiasm and passion for what we do and you really feel it when you walk into our buildings and speak to our people. I’ll miss my job greatly and I’m sure it will take me a while to switch off – but I’m looking forward to getting on the golf course!”

Russ plans to spend his retirement getting back to his hobbies, especially travelling to new places with his wife, starting with a trip to Australia later this year and spending more time with his family and friends.

Europa Worldwide Group employs more than 650 people across 12 sites in the UK and Hong Kong and is represented in 100 countries. As well as its successful road freight operation, Europa Worldwide also provides specialist air, sea, warehouse and showfreight services.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helen Patchett .