Palletline has announced a significant leadership transition in line with the continued rollout of its ambitious five-year strategic roadmap.
Palletline’s Board Chair Forsyth Black announced at the network’s Member’s meeting in November that he would be stepping down from his role in June 2026 at the end of his three-year contracted term. Mr Black, who joined the business in 2023 as Palletline’s first independent Chair, was appointed to bring external insight and strategic direction to the board.
He will be succeeded by current Chief Executive Officer Graham Leitch, who has led Palletline for 11 years and will formally assume the role of Chair in July 2026. At that point, a new Palletline CEO will have been appointed.
This transition forms a key part of Palletline’s five-year plan, reinforcing its commitment to robust succession planning, leadership continuity, and future-proofing the business for sustained growth. It also underlines Palletline’s focus on stability while supporting planned evolution at the top of the organisation.
Palletline’s strategy remains firmly focused on growth, innovation, and strengthening its position as the UK’s only fully member-owned pallet network. The network currently handles over four million pallets per year and continues to invest heavily in its infrastructure and technology.
In addition, Palletline has invested £2 million in its Palleteyes forklift-mounted CCTV and barcode scanning system, enhancing visibility, traceability, and safety across its operations.
The network also remains committed to its collaborative member-owned model, with 76 member companies operating 97 depots and providing 100 percent postcode coverage across the UK. Its ongoing focus on health and safety, service excellence, and sustainability remains central to the business strategy.
Commenting on the transition, Graham Leitch said:
“This planned leadership transition is a decisive move that underpins our five-year strategy plan. It allows us to combine stability and evolution, ensuring Palletline remains agile, member-focused, and ready for the next phase of growth. I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working with the board, our members, and the executive team as we continue to deliver our ambitious roadmap.
“I would also like to thank Forsyth for his support and strategic guidance during his tenure as Chair. He has been instrumental in the formulation of our 5-year plan which has now been endorsed by our shareholders. We wish him well with his wide portfolio career where he holds a number of Chair and NED positions.”
Forsyth Black added:
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Palletline, guiding the network through a period of investment, innovation and transition. I am confident that Graham and the board have the right platform, strategy, and people in place to take the business forward and ensure the long-term success of the network.”
As part of this transition Glenn Baker will take on the role of Group Chief Operating Officer from 1st January 2026 at which time he will assume direct leadership of the Palletline Logistics businesses in addition to his current responsibilities. Glenn and Group CFO Bali Bandha will ensure continuity of leadership from the executive board.
With this leadership change embedded into its five-year strategy, Palletline will continue to drive its core objectives — expanding capacity, enhancing service quality, investing in technology, and maintaining the unique member-owned model that differentiates it within the UK pallet network sector.
