Hayley Smith has been appointed Head of Customer Service and Relations at Oakland International’s Leicestershire facility at Bardon.

Having joined the company some 15-years ago, Hayley brings a wealth of experience and customer knowledge, progressing through the business from working in dry stores, marketing and administration, before then taking on the role of key account manager in 2020.

Said Hayley: “I’m delighted to be continuing to develop my career with Oakland. Since joining in 2007 I have built strong bonds with colleagues and customers, hauliers and retailers, and this appointment is the next step in my career development.

“I will be concentrating on nurturing effective internal and external relationships, maintaining service levels and championing strong communication amongst all stakeholders. I am fortunate that in my new role I will be able to visit customers and retailers to further understand the challenges faced and how by working together we can ensure customer product is delivered on time and in full.”

Oakland’s group of businesses encompass temperature-controlled supply chain and case consolidation, co-packing, D2C fulfilment, food distribution and transport, customs clearance and a market-leading solution for the treatment of distress transport loads, typically recovering over 85% of product.

BRCGS AA accredited, a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development, Oakland International is working towards becoming the first carbon-neutral business within their sector with a track record of sustainability throughout its business practices, choices, growth strategy and planning. Oakland also offers brand development support for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain.

Oakland’s Chief Operating Officer Lee Whiting added: “I am delighted for Hayley. As a popular and key member of the team she continues to build her knowledge base and skills, clearly demonstrated as her career has advanced and with this key appointment.”