UKMHA strengthens its board of directors with new appointment

Gillian Reed is MD of STILL Material Handling UK, a post she has held for the past three years

Promoted from within, Reed was formerly service and operations director where she had been responsible for leading the development of the service team under STILL’s sales and service network, prior to two decades in the Retail Banking sector

Her appointment, coming at the end of the pandemic, saw STILL strengthen its business model,  in particular investing further in the evolving industry direction of travel within the automation space. 

Her goal on taking the reins at STILL as MD was to continue to consistently set high standards in the company’s customer experience whilst growing the presence and footprint of the brand in the UK and Ireland, to reflect the size of the  aspiration for the business.

"The satisfaction and evolving needs of our customers remain the cornerstone of our business. I’m proud of the high service standards we’ve set, as reflected in our consistently strong Net Promoter Score, something that will continue to guide every decision we make," said Reed.

"It’s a real privilege to serve as a board member of the UKMHA, where I can contribute to the broader advancement of our industry and champion collaboration across the sector."

Rob Fisher, UKMHA CEO, said Reed "is a highly respected and well-known figure within our industry and her knowledge of the service sector will be invaluable in helping the association with its work in this area". " “We are delighted that Gillian has agreed to join the UKMHA board," he affirmed. 

"It’s incredibly encouraging to see more female leaders stepping into prominent roles across the material handling industry. A more diverse and inclusive environment not only reflects the world we live in, but also brings a wider range of perspectives and strengths to the table. I’m passionate about championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, not just as a goal, but as a fundamental value that drives innovation, collaboration, and long-term success," Reed continued.

As the UKMHA strives to continue improving industry safety levels, advancing the cause of new technology and helping the sector adapt to ever changing customer demands a diverse and experienced board will be vital in helping to shape future policy.

The association also has a special focus on attracting new talent to the industry and to upskill those already working in the sector. This matter is critical to the long-term sustainability of the industry and directly addresses the main concern of members regarding labour shortages. 

ukmha.org.uk​