3 June 2016, 13:29
IronPlanet, the leading online marketplace for buying and selling used heavy equipment and trucks, today announced the appointment of David Shouesmith as Managing Director of GovPlanet EU – the European arm of IronPlanet’s government and public agency equipment disposals service.
Shouesmith will bring his expertise on European government agency operations, particularly in the UK, to the role. Previously, Shouesmith served at a senior level in the British Army and Ministry of Defence (MoD) and has had an extensive career in corporate and commercial consultancy in the Defence sector and beyond.
“I am delighted to announce David’s appointment at IronPlanet. David has a wealth of experience working in both the public and private sectors, and is familiar with the disposal of equipment with which he will be working so closely,” comments Jeff Holmes, Vice President of Government Solutions. “It is this invaluable combination of experience which will ensure he prospers in this new endeavour. It is a critical time for David to be joining, as excitement at GovPlanet reaches fever pitch following the success of the IronPlanet/United States Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) auctions in Europe.”
In this new positon, David will be responsible for deciding which government and public sector bodies GovPlanet forge new business relationships with, and devising and implementing business plans for the impending European expansion.
“IronPlanet’s proposition is particularly compelling as it differs substantially from the traditional disposals business. It doesn’t take big, upfront buyer and seller fees, and delivers a much quicker cash-to-cash cycle,” comments Shouesmith. “IronPlanet is also able to access a substantial global buyer base, which cuts out the middle men who put their own margin on top of the sale price, and enables the company to drive the market on a more global scale.”
IronPlanet first launched its GovPlanet marketplace in the United States in November 2014 to resounding success, and in July 2015, the online marketplace hosted its inaugural online auction of European-based surplus U.S. military equipment. IronPlanet has already demonstrated that its business model works well in the public sector, and the appointment of Shouesmith will thrust IronPlanet’s solutions into the European marketplace.
IronPlanet’s goal, with Shouesmith now at the helm, is to orchestrate water-tight relationships with a range of disposals agencies, first and foremost in the UK. The MoD is of particular interest to IronPlanet considering Shouesmith’s deep knowledge and experience of the department.
Prior to his appointment at IronPlanet, Shouesmith worked as an Independent Consultant at Northcourt Associates Ltd for two years; a UK company which he established and managed. Previous to this role, he worked at PwC as a Senior Director and Vice President in its PRTM management consultancy division, working both in the UK and overseas with large companies, including many in the Defence sector. At PwC, he specialised in strategic supply chain management, critical programme recovery and establishing effective market strategies and business models.
Before pursuing a career in consultancy, Shouesmith served in the British Army from 1981-2009, where he quickly progressed to the rank of Major-General. He served in the UK and overseas, and was involved in several operations from the Balkans to Afghanistan. He was also the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Logistic Operations in the MoD from 2006-2010. Here he was responsible for planning current and future UK operations, providing support for the acquisitions process and international logistical efforts.