Outgoing Toll Managing Director Paul Little praised as "one of the giants" of the transport and logistics industry
By Brad Gardner | October 28, 2010
Outgoing Toll Managing Director Paul Little has been praised as “one of the giants” of the transport and logistics industry.
As Toll begins the hunt for a new managing director, the Australian Logistics Council has congratulated Little on his achievements since taking on the top job at the business in 1986.
Little will step down from his position in January 2012 as part of a transition to a new managing director. Succession firm Egon Zehnder has been instructed to find a replacement for Little.
“Paul Little has taken Toll Group from a small Australian transport operation to one that is recognised throughout the world as a leading Australian brand,” ALC CEO Michael Kilgariff says.
“Paul Little is undoubtedly one of the giants of the Australian transport and logistics Industry.”
The Australian Trucking Association also congratulated Little, with ATA CEO Stuart St Clair saying “the whole industry will wish him well”.
“Paul has made a wonderful contribution to Toll over his 26 years with the company,” St Clair says.
St Clair praised Little for turning Toll into the leading transport and logistics provider in the Asian region and for the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
After 24 years as the managing director, Little yesterday announced it was time for him to step down in favour of continuity.
Toll Chairman Ray Horsburgh labelled the decision the “end of an era” and referred to Little as one of Australia’s most respected business figures.
Little intends to pursue community and business interests once he departs Toll, including devoting more time to helping people overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
“Toll has embraced some community activities…particularly with giving people that have fallen on hard times another opportunity in their respective lives,” Little says.
He will, however, remain a large part of the business. Little will return as a non-executive director at an unspecified date to advise the company and will retain his equity in Toll, making him one of its largest shareholders.
“I would love to do this job forever but of course that’s not possible and after consideration it is clear this is the ideal time for a changeover at the top,” Little says.