UAE-based Momentum Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of top independent port operator Gulftainer, has appointed Tom Nauwelaerts as its new managing director.

A leading third-party logistics (3PL) services provider, Momentum said in his new role, Nauwelaerts will be responsible for steering its expansion in the 3PL industry.

He brings over 25 years of experience in supply chain management across various markets including the UAE, UK and Belgium.

Prior to joining Momentum Logistics, Nauwelaerts worked for YBA Kanoo as the head of their logistics division. With over eight years of experience in the Middle East, he also held the position of managing director at Al-Futtaim Logistics, said a statement from the company.

Additionally, he also served as group CEO of WWL-ALS Freight Management Group in the UK and as general manager Logistics for Ahlers Logistics and Maritime Services, headquartered in Belgium, it stated.

During these tenures, he oversaw specialised logistics services, such as project cargo, chartering, and retail and automotive logistics solutions for fast-growth markets in the CIS, Asia and Africa.

On the appointment, Flemming Dalgaard, the chief executive of Gulftainer, said: "Momentum Logistics has come a long way since its launch in 2008. We have identified various growth paths for the division, which has great potential to cater to the growing supply chain hubs within the Middle East and beyond."

“As a seasoned logistics professional, Nauwelaerts will bring much-needed focus to enhancing Momentum’s activities, which have so far been limited to complementing our port management services,” he said.

“We are confident that with his wide-ranging experience and connections in the industry, he will succeed in taking the company to the next level,” he added.

Nauwelaerts dubbed it as an exciting time to be heading a logistics function in the Middle East.

"As the region opens up its industries and diversifies away from fuel, we anticipate a growing need for interconnectedness, convenience and streamlining of business operations," he stated.

“As managing director, I look forward to taking our services to new benchmarks of excellence and finding innovative ways to tackle any challenges we may face,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service