Reshuffle at Oxford’s Unipart brings new MDs across sectors

Unipart, the Oxford-based supply chain solutions company, has appointed various new roles across its executive leadership team.

Jim Hartshorne, who joined the firm last April as managing director, automotive, has now been appointed to the newly created role of managing director, commercial.

Jim previously served as CEO UK & Ireland at business services provider Paragon and managing director, retail and consumer at DHL Supply Chain.

In his new role, he’ll head up the business development and customer engagement strategy across Unipart’s sectors, as well as leading growth in its consultancy capability.

Carol Rose-Burke has been appointed managing director, manufacturing.

Carol joined Unipart in 1994 and in recent years has led development of the group’s manufacturing capability to support the ongoing electrification of the automotive sector.

Her new role will see Carol continue to extend Unipart’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to a broader range of sectors, helping customers make their supply chains more resilient and sustainable.

Dr David McGorman now steps up as managing director, technology.

David joined Unipart through its acquisition of Instrumentel in 2017, of which he was a founding member and managing director.

In his new role, he’ll continue to head up Unipart’s technology offering while also leading efforts in the rail and public transport sector.

David has been working in this sector for many years to implement solutions that make the rail sector safer and more efficient, saving time, carbon and cost through condition-based maintenance.

Richard Gifford joined Unipart in 2024 as IT Director and has now been appointed to the executive leadership team.

With more than 25 years’ experience in IT and digitising operations, Richard brings extensive experience across logistics, supply chain, construction and manufacturing.

Darren Leigh, chief executive of Unipart, said: “I’m delighted to announce the roles of Jim, Carol, David and Richard within the Unipart Executive Leadership Team.

“They offer the expertise and breadth of experience we need to achieve our ambition to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chains for customers across our seven sectors.

“Unipart has a broad range of capabilities that can benefit new and existing customers throughout their supply chains, and I’m confident we have the senior leadership team in place to lead our people to deliver this and grow our offer to the market.”

Neil McNicholas, managing director, Unipart Rail, has also announced he’ll be leaving the company this month, having joined Unipart in 2021.

Darren added: “I’d like to thank Neil for his leadership and commitment in his time with Unipart.

“He’s played a key role in growing our breadth of supply chain solutions for the rail sector, and I wish him all the best for his retirement.”