The Institute is delighted to announce Rebecca Hicks, South West General Manager for EV Cargo, as its inaugural Next Generation Conference Chair. 

For the first time in the Institute’s history, CILT(UK) carried out a search for a Next Generation Conference Chair for its 2022 Annual Conference, taking place at Warwick Conferences on 22 June 2022.

The initiative is designed to highlight the future talent of logistics and transport and was open to all respondents that hold membership outside of CMILT and FCILT grades.  The appointment of a Next Generation Chair aims to inspire and empower emerging talent across the sector, to bring in new ideas and innovation to CILT(UK)’s Annual Conference.

Rebecca Hicks, as the Institute’s Next Generation Chair, takes up her post at the annual CILT (UK) Conference, which will be held on 22 June at The Slate, Warwick Conferences.

This year’s Conference theme is ‘Thriving in a changing world’, and the conference aims to inspire, engage and motivate delegates to consider the future of their organisations. Confirmed speakers include Sean Culey FCILT, Client Partner at Aera Technology, and Catherine Weetman FCILT, Director at Rethink Global and many more to be announced.

Rebecca impressed the panel of judges with her enthusiasm for logistics and transport and her understanding of the critical role of Conference Chair in being a role model for those that might follow in her footsteps. Judges included Bethany Windsor CMILT, CILT(UK)’s Programme Manager and Helen Gallimore FCILT, Associate Lecturer at University of Derby and previous Conference workstream host.   

Rebecca boasts a wide range of experience in logistics, having started her career in 2010 with a logistics graduate scheme, and completing several operational and head office roles at different companies. She is currently the South West General Manager for EV Cargo, where she has been for the past two years. She is also a CILT(UK) South West committee board member and a volunteer mentor, and has been involved with the Institute since her graduate scheme. She recently became a member to get more involved with the wider industry.

Bethany Windsor CMILT, Programme Manager at NOVUS said: “Rebecca’s passion for transport, her engagement with CILT(UK) and her desire to give back to the profession made her a stand out ambassador for both logistics and for CILT(UK) itself – we are delighted to have her on board!”

Kevin Richardson, Chief Executive at CILT(UK) said: “At CILT, we know the future of our profession is in the hands of the Next Generation, which is why we want to provide as many opportunities as possible to give young professionals a voice and facilitate valuable networking and professional development initiatives for this crucial group of members. I’m excited to see what Rebecca does with this role at Conference.”

Rebecca commented: “It’s a real honour to have been chosen as CILT’s first Next Generation Chair. It will be a great opportunity, and I am excited to put my own stamp on the role. I am thrilled to be a big part of a the CILT Conference, especially during a pivotal time in the logistics and transport sector. I’m really excited for the Conference, and I am looking forward to meeting more members of the CILT community."