Company: Wincanton
Role: Head of Innovation
“I lead Wincanton’s innovation programme, W2. It’s dedicated to advancing progress in the logistics sector by promoting collaboration with external partners, start-ups and internal colleagues, to develop digital technology-based products that enhance customer value in both the present and the future.”
As Head of Innovation, Claire also runs and develops Wincanton’s Innovation Centre, an inspiring hub that showcases technology solutions and hosts customers, partners, colleagues, investors and community groups. In its first 18 months, it welcomed over 3,500 visitors.
Claire joined the logistics sector as a graduate in 1998, and has worked in a variety of roles over the past 25 years, starting as a transport planner, then regional transport planner, before moving on to roles in business development, sales and solution design. Her wide experience, along with her thirst for new ideas and collaboration made her the perfect candidate to lead the innovation programme.
With no typical day in her role, Claire says its variety and people that keeps her enthusiastic. She relishes a role where she feels she can make a difference.
“I love the diversity and challenge of my role, I am a massive people person so I feel very fortunate to work with such talented colleagues across the Wincanton business as well as working with start-ups and suppliers from across the globe to create new solutions for our customers.”
Claire particularly enjoys working on innovation which she believes will transform the future of the sector, making people’s lives easier and the world a better place.
Opening Wincanton’s Innovation Centre has been a career highlight for Claire, having had the honour of leading the project for Wincanton all the way from concept to design to delivery.
“I managed to embrace everything from budgeting and project management, to video editing, to agreeing technical construction drawings, to storyboarding the city of the future, to choosing a coffee machine and paint colours!”