AV Dawson lays platform for ‘strong future’ with board restructure

A third generation distribution firm has undergone a boardroom revamp it says will deliver a “strong, sustainable future”.

AV Dawson has restructured its senior team with a promotion and new appointments.

Managing director Gary Dawson has become chairman of AV Dawson’s group of companies, with ex-commercial and marketing director Charlie Nettle promoted to managing director designate.

In his new role, Charlie, whose CV includes time at the North East England Chamber of Commerce, will manage subsidiary businesses AVD Industrial & Port Services, Cockfield Knight & Co, AV Dawson Transport and Port of Middlesbrough Limited.

Elsewhere, financial director John Young has become deputy chairman, with head of HR and training Louise Croce promoted to people and culture director, and Craig Lloyd taking up the post of group financial director.

Andrew Watkins continues as operations director.

Gary said: “As chairman, I am following in the footsteps of my late father Maurice.

“As was the case for Maurice, I will still be actively involved, but this change will enable colleagues to develop and take more responsibility for running the business, while giving me more opportunity to support them.

“It is important to me to give our leaders the autonomy to make decisions going forward to secure our future succession.

“As well as continuing to promote our core values, I am keen to ensure we honour and protect the business’ past, but also inspire the team to create a strong, sustainable future.”

Charlie added: “I joined AV Dawson in 2015, and at the time I could see there was something very different, very special and very exciting about the business.

“Working with Gary over this time, I began to appreciate the responsibility on his shoulders, to build on a legacy of over 80 years and the work of the previous two generations of his family.

“I therefore recognise the trust Gary is putting in me to ensure AV Dawson continues to be the unique business it is.”

The restructure follows a series of moves by the firm, which include the building and opening of a head office and a deal for road salt and fertiliser provider Cobra Middlesbrough.

AV Dawson was founded in 1938 when Arthur Vernon, known as Vernie, and wife Eleanor, began delivering coal, having spent £50 on a horse called Dina, her shoes and a cart.

 

• Pictured, above, from left to right, are AV Dawson chairman Gary Dawson; operations director Andrew Watkins; managing director designate Charlie Nettle; people and culture director Louise Croce; financial director Craig Lloyd; and deputy chairman John Young