Midlands entrepreneur John Cutler has quit Hammond Logistics to strike out on his own.
His decision, following some 20 years' service, comes just six months after he and colleague Philip Smith sold Sutton Coldfield-based Hammond Logistics to Bibby Distribution for an undisclosed sum.
Mr Cutler says he aims to set up a new logistics operation.
Mr Cutler and Mr Smith bought into the once-ailing business in the mid 90's - successfully turning it around and expanding it by acquisition before striking the deal with Bibby Distribution, part of the Liverpool-based Bibby Line Group.
It had a turnover of more than £35 million, hubs in Bradford, Minworth, Bristol and Redhill and high-profile clients including Toyota and Suzuki.
The deal saw Bibby Distribution, one of the largest private family- owned logistics companies in the UK, boost its turnover to £160 million, extend its operations to 60 locations nationwide and emerge with a fleet in excess of 1,000 vehicles.
It was agreed that Mr Cutler, Hammond's chief executive, would stay with the company to help with the integration.
Bibby is strong in the food and drink sector, counting Kelloggs, Budweiser, First Milk and Sainsbury's among key customers.
Hammond's expertise is in the automotive sector.
But now Mr Cutler has departed "to pursue fresh challenges in the logistics sector".
He said: "During my time I guided Hammond Logistics Group from its beginnings as a small regional carrier to 29th largest company in the UK logistics industry, enjoying strong above average year-on-year profit growth and a reputation for first-class staff delivering exceptional innovative services to an extremely loyal blue-chip customer base whilst always maintaining a personal touch.
"Since having sold the company to Bibby Distribution at the end of March, my role has been principally one of ensuring the successful integration of the two companies which has now been accomplished."
Saying Bibby Distribution was both "comfortable and in support of" his decision to go, he went on: " Particularly as Bibby is a privately owned and family run company I feel confident I am leaving Hammond in very safe hands and am sure they will continue to develop Hammond from where I have left off.
"I am now looking forward to implementing my plans for the future which are to build another logistics group by both acquisition and organic growth to fill the gap Hammond now leaves as the premier company in the mid market - £20 million to £100 million - sector."
