Who is Nicholas Head, Head of Sustainability at XPO?
XPO Logistics Europe is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across the region, offering less-than-truckload freight transportation to its customers via its world-class network, technology and services.
Dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence within both its core operations and corporate responsibility, XPO's sustainability strategy is built on three pillars: environmental commitment, social responsibility and ethical governance.
The organisation is back by a strong governance structure to encourage accountability and foster ongoing progress. Both the Board of Directors and teams throughout the company actively work to implement sustainability programmes and initiatives to ensure ESG factors are evident in business decisions and actions.
- Overachieving for customers – providing a superior customer experience with an emphasis on attributes that customers value most.
- Be safe – continuously working to improve the safety and well-being of its people.
- Be accountable – taking pride in doing things the right way, speaking up when there are opportunities to improve and owning mistakes.
- Always improvise – forward-thinking and always investing in its people, technology and network to deliver better results.
- Respect each other – ensure its people feel respected and empowered, by building a collaborative culture that emphasises respect, honesty and making sure every teammate has a voice.
- Be world-class in every way – dedicated to being number one in less-than-truckload (LTL) logistics.
Strategically investing in technology and infrastructure
Unless effective measures are taken, the European Environment Agency predicts that logistics will account for up to 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Road freight alone will account for 53% of global trade-related transport emissions, according to McKinsey.
Understanding the need for greener logistics for its customers, XPO is dedicated to strategically investing in technology and infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and advance operational efficiency.
Core focus areas of investment for XPO Logistics include:
- Ongoing fleet initiatives, modernising tractors and trailers
- Deploying cleaner fuels where practical
- Expanding its use of data and analytics
- Exploring the commercial viability of alternative vehicles that have a lower environmental impact.
Who is Dr Nicholas Head, Head of Sustainability (UK & Ireland) at XPO Logistics?
An experienced leader in sustainability, procurement and supply chain, Dr Nicholas Head has more than 15 years of experience working across industries to advance their environmental goals.
Having worked across education, food and drink, energy, and non-profits, Dr Head specialises in the application of circular economy thinking.
He also helps organisations add operational value and strengthen value chains through the application of sustainability principles to drive the development of robust business solutions in a rapidly changing policy landscape.
Dr Head first joined XPO in 2021 as Environmental & Sustainability Lead (UK & Ireland) and, in 2022, he became Head of Sustainability (UK & Ireland).
He holds a doctorate in sustainable waste and resource management and a master's degree in waste management from the University of Northampton, where he also served as an associate lecturer.
The Sustainable Logistics Forum
Dr Head has just been appointed as Vice Chair of the Sustainable Logistics Forum (SLF).
Formed in 2020, the forum supports leading UK operations and logistics teams, including both retailers and 3PLs, to collaborate on fleet decarbonisation, new technologies and energy-efficiency projects.
The SLF meets quarterly to share progress, gain knowledge, debate legislation, give feedback to officials and support one another in achieving energy reduction and sustainability goals.
Representing 18 large fleet operators, the forum is part of Rutland Forums – a partner of XPO Logistics – which facilitates the collaboration of sustainability and energy practitioners.
Dr Head sits on the Forum Board of Advisors, representing the sustainability interests of all members, including Boots, John Lewis Partnership, Tesco and many more.
“Decarbonising the economy and transportation in a manner that is not unduly burdensome on businesses or job creation and retention is a huge challenge that requires cross-sector collaboration as never before,” says Dr Head.
“Having the opportunity to participate in the Sustainable Logistics Forum and help guide debate among industry peers can only benefit all involved, including providing substantial opportunities to identify initiatives that can drive that decarbonisation journey.”
Haydn Young, Chair of Rutland Forums & Hudle Network, adds: "I’m really thrilled for Dr Head to take on this role within the network. Transitioning logistics to net zero is going to be a significant task and, with his leadership, the Sustainable Logistics Forum can put ideas into action."
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