THE GENERATION LOGISTICS AWARDS: THE WINNERS
During the past few months, nominations for the Generation Logistics Awards have been recognising those individuals who are driving the logistics sector into the future.
We’ve had a huge amount of entries across all four categories – and the standard has been incredible. We speak on behalf of the judges when we say it’s been a joy to read about so many awesome young people thriving and innovating within our sector.
Picking the winners was extremely difficult given the quality of entries, but ultimately there could only be one in each category – except in the Hidden Gem category, where we just couldn’t separate the top two!
In this blog, we’ll profile each winner and explain why they deserved to win.
Category: The Extra Mile Award
This award celebrates an early talent colleague who has gone above and beyond to have a positive impact, whether that’s within the workplace, the local community, or broader society. Whether championing sustainability, promoting inclusion, or leading charitable initiatives, this individual embodies the spirit of going the extra mile (and helps inspire others along the way).
WINNER: James Sherwood
COMPANY: ASDA
TITLE: Warehouse Department Manager
ACHIEVEMENTS & STORY
James was recognised for his outstanding leadership as a Warehouse Department Manager at Asda, consistently going above and beyond to support his colleagues.
Alongside his demanding role, James actively inspires future talent through careers fairs, school visits and Generation Logistics activities, showcasing the opportunities and career pathways within the logistics industry with passion and enthusiasm.
OUR JUDGES SAID:
“James combines operational excellence with a genuine passion for inspiring future talent. His sustained school and careers engagement directly supports Generation Logistics and shows leadership, advocacy and personal commitment. Strongest overall evidence, subject to early-talent eligibility being confirmed.”
Category: The Hidden Gem Award
The Hidden Gem Award shines a light on those who work quietly but powerfully behind the scenes.
These early talent colleagues are recognised for delivering outstanding work, demonstrating initiative, and supporting their teams with humility and dedication. Though they may not seek the spotlight, their impact is undeniable, and they deserve recognition.
WINNER: Ethan Mew
COMPANY: GXO
TITLE: Warehouse Operative
AND
WINNER: Avni Solanki
COMPANY: GXO
TITLE: Information Security Analyst
ACHIEVEMENTS & STORY.
During Ethan’s GXO placement, he transformed Transport Compliance through automation and digitalisation — saving hundreds of admin hours and eliminating thousands of paper documents. His initiative and problem-solving have boosted efficiency, compliance and colleague experience, creating lasting solutions that make him a true hidden gem.
Avni is a hidden gem — delivering strong Cyber Security work while making a wider impact through mentoring, inclusion, TeenTech, Generation Logistics and early talent initiatives. Her specialist expertise, 90% cyber engagement completion rate, MSc studies, and calm, generous support of others make her a highly valued colleague and deserving award recipient.
OUR JUDGES SAID:
“Ethan has repeatedly identified and implemented practical automation and digital solutions that save significant admin time, paper and cost, while improving compliance and training. His high level of initiative, the clear and sustained impact he has made, and the lasting improvements he has put in place are key reasons for winning.”
“Avni leads by example through humility, resilience and commitment to others. She has strong alignment to the spirit of a Hidden Gem: quiet, dependable specialist contribution, measurable cyber-awareness impact, mentoring and outreach, and consistent support for others while completing an MSc. Multiple independent testimonials strengthen the evidence of sustained influence.”
Category: The Talent Advocate Award
This award honours an experienced colleague who really champions and advocates for early talent.
From mentoring and coaching to promoting careers in logistics, the Talent Advocate demonstrates a passion for nurturing the next generation and promoting the future of the sector.
WINNER: Ian Jones
COMPANY: ASDA
TITLE: Senior Manager
ACHIEVEMENTS & STORY.
For over 35 years, Ian has championed talent and career development at ASDA Logistics, rising from an hourly-paid colleague to a senior leader overseeing 65 colleagues and a £20 million budget.
He’s developed future leaders, achieved 60% female representation in his management team, and supported Generation Logistics by engaging 200 students to inspire the next generation.
OUR JUDGES SAID:
“Ian is a truly transformative early talent supporter and advocate, who has shown a long-term commitment to the future of the logistics workforce over 35 years through passion and innovation. His exceptional commitment to developing talent and promoting logistics, backed by direct outcomes, makes this the most comprehensive entry.”
Category: The Trailblazer
The Trailblazer Award recognises a standout early talent colleague who is setting new standards.
Whether through innovative ideas, project leadership, or simply rapid growth and progress on their professional journey, this person is actively helping drive the future of the logistics sector.
WINNER: Irfan Menevili
COMPANY: ASDA
TITLE: Warehouse Shift Manager
ACHIEVEMENTS & STORY.
Irfan has transformed Day Shift performance and culture through a colleague-led Compliance Squad that lifted audit scores to 97%, and an Express operating model that boosted on-time performance to 98.5%. His focus on sustainable improvement, safety and developing future leaders, shows the leadership and impact of a true Trailblazer.
OUR JUDGES SAID:
“Irfan’s combination of innovation, leadership and teamwork makes him a worthy winner of this award, using his knowledge and expertise to create a genuinely innovative, intuitive tool that improves working outputs for all.”
CONGRATULATIONS ALL! HERE’S TO GENERATION LOGISTICS IN 2027
So there we have it – five incredibly worthy winners of the inaugural Generation Logistics Awards.
We’d like to congratulate not just the five deserving winners, but everyone who entered this year. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2027 edition!
If you’d like to find out more about the work Generation Logistics does to promote awareness of the logistics sector to young people, visit: https://generationlogistics.org/