EXEL MAKES TWO SENIOR SEAFREIGHT APPOINTMENTS

Exel, the global leader in supply chain management, has announced two senior appointments within its seafreight business. The new appointments strengthen Exel's seafreight services, and support its development strategy for one of the most secure, cost-effective, flexible and reliable modes of transportation for international trade.

Al Benki is appointed as Senior Vice President for Exel's seafreight business and is based in the US. Benki joins Exel from UPS where he was Vice President of Global Transportation Services, Supply Chain Solutions Division. In his new role, Benki will be responsible for managing Exel's global seafreight business. With significant experience in global transportation, he has held senior operations roles within Fritz Companies Inc, OOCL and Seatrain.

Charles McGurin is appointed Seafreight Director for Exel's UK and Ireland business. McGurin joins Exel from APL Logistics, the logistics arm of the Singaporean transportation organisation - NOL. He has previously held operational and business development roles within the retailing sector as well as third party logistics. Over the past six years McGurin has focused on deploying integrated supply chain solutions using seafreight as the primary mode of transport. In his new role he will set out a strategy for seafreight that both complements the overall strategies of Exel and delivers a continuously high level of service to its customers.

Mick Fountain, Chief Executive of Exel's global freight management business, said, "Exel has seen strong growth in seafreight over the past year, particularly in China where goods manufacturers are increasingly basing production operations for onward shipment.

Key to supporting this growth is having a robust and experienced management team to lead this important part of our business."

Seafreight revenues increased 21% over the last year. The Company offers a comprehensive range of services around the world to meet the most straightforward or complex customer needs backed by an extensive global network, such as consolidating shipments in full- or partially-filled containers, customs management, door-to-door delivery, conventional and more unusual, or out-of-gauge deliveries. Key customers include the Ministry of Defence and EADS.