NEAA appoints new chair

North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has appointed Martin Kendall, managing director of LOGISTEED UK Limited, as its new chair.

Based in Sunderland, Martin succeeds Professor Matt Boyle OBE FREng, who has led the organisation since its formation in 2010 and played a key role in developing the region’s automotive supply chain.

Martin brings extensive industry experience, having started his career at Nissan in 1986 before joining Vantec, now LOGISTEED UK, in 2002. 

He became managing director in 2011 and has overseen logistics operations for major manufacturers including Nissan, Komatsu, Bentley, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW.

Martin said: “It is an honour to be asked to take over as the chair of the NEAA. 

“I know I have big shoes to fill taking over from Matt. 

“The NEAA has been growing in strength year-on-year since it began in March 2015 under the leadership of Paul and the NEAA team, becoming the largest automotive cluster in the UK and I look forward to working with the team to ensure we continue that growth and deliver on our commitment to be a true value-added alliance to all of our member companies.”

Professor Boyle added: “It has been an honour and privilege to lead the board. 

“The superb NEAA team have been an inspiration throughout my tenure, supporting the sector, membership and individuals. 

“I know they will go from strength to strength. 

“I wish Martin and the executive board, the NEAA team and the membership all the best for the future.”  

A longstanding member of the NEAA board, Martin’s appointment comes as the organisation continues to support collaboration, innovation and growth across the North East automotive sector. 

He was also recognised for his contribution to the industry at the 2024 NEAA Awards.

Paul Butler, chief executive, NEAA, added: “Matt Boyle has been a hugely influential figure on the North East manufacturing scene and has been an outstanding chair of the NEAA. 

“His wisdom, guidance and clarity of thought, is something that I, as chief executive, have benefitted from on so many occasions and he has helped make us the organisation we are today. 

“On behalf of the staff at the NEAA, the board of directors and the membership, I would like to thank Matt for the outstanding contribution he has made.

“We now welcome Martin Kendall as chair. 

“A strategic thinker, Martin brings a leadership style that embraces continuous improvement, forward thinking, adaptability and innovation. 

“He takes up the role of chair at a pivotal moment for the automotive sector, and we look forward to working with him and the board to drive forward new opportunities and future growth.”

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