The UK's new technology and innovation centre for integrated transport systems has appointed Steve Yianni as its Chief Executive.  The Catapult centre, which is being set up by the government's Technology Strategy Board, will focus on innovation for efficient and sustainable ways to move people and goods (freight) across national transport systems including road, rail, sea and air.

Starting his new role on August 1, Yianni is tasked with driving the Catapult's growth and delivering its vision for the UK transport industry.

Yianni joins the Catapult from Network Rail where he held the role of Technical Director. He also contributed to the engineering success of the Ford Motor Company and JCB gaining over two decades of experience in leading manufacturing organisations.

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board said: "I am delighted that Steve Yianni has agreed to join the Transport Systems Catapult.  He brings a wealth of real business experience across the transport network that will help UK businesses develop integrated transport services. The Transport Systems Catapult will position the UK as the leading provider of innovative and integrated transport solutions to the rest of the world, accessing a global market estimated to be worth £900bn by 2025".

UTi Worldwide has announced that it has decided to increase the size of its board from seven to nine members. In connection with that decision, Josh Paulson has been appointed to the company's board of directors for a term that expires at its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Paulson is a partner at P2 Capital Partners, currently UTi's largest shareholder. A second director with operational experience will be appointed at the conclusion of the company's ongoing search process, with a completion date targeted for the summer of 2013.

Roger I. MacFarlane, UTi's non-executive chairman, said, "We are pleased to welcome Josh to UTi's board. P2 and Josh have a clear understanding of our strategic direction and our commitment to enhancing shareholder value. Josh will bring significant experience and add a strong shareholder perspective to the board as we complete our comprehensive business process transformation and evaluate our capital allocation opportunities."

"I am very excited to join UTi's board during this important stage in the company's evolution," said Paulson. "We believe the company is at an inflection point and its transformation will drive greater long-term growth and efficiency in its operations. I look forward to working with the board and management to grow the business and create significant shareholder value."