Global supply chain management company, CEVA, has announced that John Pattullo has taken over as the company's new chief executive officer.

Mr. Pattullo replaces Dave Kulik as CEO of the recently merged companies, CEVA and EGL, which will now operate under the CEVA company name. Mr. Kulik will serve as vice chairman of the board of CEVA Group Plc.

Before joining CEVA, Mr. Pattullo led Deutsche Post/DHL's EUR7 billion (US$9.62 billion) EMEA Contract Logistics business as chief operating officer. In addition, he led the Exel European Forwarding and Contract Logistics business and has worked in various leadership positions supporting Procter & Gamble's global supply chain, a company statement said.

"I am very excited to come on board CEVA at a time when these two great companies have joined forces. We have created one of the world's major players in the global supply chain industry, supported by a talented and experienced leadership team. CEVA has the ability now, more than ever, to offer our customers a world-class service," said Mr. Pattullo.

As a result of the merger, the company will operate two divisions, CEVA Contract Logistics and CEVA Freight Management. Both will report to Mr. Pattullo, who will lead the newly formed company, as well as the Contract Logistics division.

CEVA employs 41,000 people and operates an extensive global network with facilities in 25 countries worldwide, and maintains 614 warehouses globally with a combined space of approximately 6.4 million square meters. For fiscal year 2006, CEVA reported sales of EUR3.5 billion.