SSI Schaefer announces new managing director

SSI Schaefer the leading Intralogistics provider has announced Timothee Gauvrit as their new Managing Director for UK and Ireland. Warehouse & Logistics News spoke to Tim about his new role.

Can you share with us what brought you to SSI and the pivotal moments that led you to become Managing Director?

I must admit, I never imagined working in intralogistics—much less stepping into the role of Managing Director. My journey began when I moved from France in 2012 on an exchange program to pursue a master’s degree in aerospace engineering, focusing on gas turbines. At that time, I assumed I’d become a mechanical design engineer. However, after graduating in 2013, personal circumstances led me to remain in the UK, where I spent 18 months at Thermax Ltd in Milton Keynes. This role exposed me to a wide range of functions and, unexpectedly, ignited my passion for sales.

Soon after, I received a call inviting me to apply for a graduate sales role at SSI Schaefer—a company and field I had never encountered before. A brief look at their innovative products and solutions immediately caught my eye, it was not as boring as I’d initially assumed! One pivotal moment was my very first interview with SSI Schaefer; I was incredibly nervous, and it didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. I’m deeply grateful to those who saw potential in me beyond that initial stumble and offered me another chance to prove myself.

That experience taught me the power of deep listening over talking—not just in sales, but in every aspect of work and life. I secured the role and quickly became involved in project sales, initially focusing on data analysis and concept development before transitioning increasingly into the commercial side. Over the years, I built strong, long-term relationships with major clients, including key accounts like Primark, and grew within the industry.

My career steadily progressed through various managerial roles in sales and application engineering across the UK. In 2022, I was appointed Regional Head of Logistic Solutions Sales for Northern Europe, which provided me the opportunity to work with diverse, international teams. When SSI UK & Ireland’s previous Managing Director, Andy Wightman, decided to take on a new challenge as VP Regional Head of PMO, I was honoured to be offered the MD role—a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly.

Stepping into the role of Managing Director for the UK & Ireland is a significant milestone. How do you feel about this new chapter, and what key priorities are you eager to pursue?

I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, even as I recognise the weight of the responsibilities and challenges this role brings. I’m privileged to build on the strong foundation established by Andy and to contribute a fresh perspective, fuelled by my sales background and enthusiasm. One of my top priorities is ensuring that our rapidly growing Irish entity is well-positioned for the next phase, allowing us to effectively serve our expanding customer base in that country. Additionally, I’m eager to continue advancing the successful restructuring of our Product & Equipment division.

SSI Schaefer seems to be a fantastic environment for career growth, offering ample opportunities for advancement. In your experience, do you feel your journey is a unique case, or does this reflect SSI Schaefer’s intentional strategy to nurture talent?

SSI Schaefer places a strong emphasis on internal promotion, making it an excellent environment for professional growth. Our deliberate strategy to identify and nurture talent is clearly paying off—we’re always on the lookout for employees with great potential and providing them with new opportunities. While my own progression has been quite rapid, I’ve witnessed many colleagues rise to senior managerial roles and continue to thrive. It’s not just about climbing the ladder; the real value lies in the ongoing support for personal development. I’ve greatly benefitted from the mentorship of experienced managers who have both challenged and shaped my career.

Looking ahead, where do you see SSI Schaefer UK & IE heading, and what do you think will shape its future?

I see tremendous potential in both SSI UK and SSI Ireland. Our exceptional team consistently goes above and beyond, and our promising pipeline gives us the long-term visibility to continue building a robust organisation. While the future is bright, it won’t always be easy. In our ever-changing VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—we must remain agile, continuously adapting our strategies and technologies to stay ahead. I’m confident that with the right people and mindset, we can navigate these challenges and deliver outstanding value for our customers and our employees.The post SSI Schaefer announces new managing director first appeared on Warehouse & Logistics News.