Q&A with Bedford General Manager Bruno Krssak

September 30, 2022

Back in August, A.F. Blakemore welcomed Bruno Krssak to the business as General Manager for its Bedford distribution depot.

Bruno, who joined the company from logistics firm Wincanton, has more than 15 years’ experience within the supply chain industry, including at large multi-temperature food distribution and start-up depots.

In his new position, he is responsible for overseeing operations at the Bedford distribution centre to ensure a high-quality service to customers.

We caught up with Bruno to find out more about his background and his initial thoughts on the business.

Firstly, what attracted you to A.F. Blakemore?

When I was first finding out about A.F. Blakemore, I was impressed by how the company is committed to investing the money it makes back into the business. This was particularly evident to me when I saw how the company had invested in building a brand-new depot in Bedford.

I also liked the sound of the challenge that the Bedford depot would present me with. There is a lot of work to do but huge potential as it is a new site. There is great opportunity for us to utilise more of its capacity, and I see a great future for the site and the business in general.

What have been your first impressions of the company?

My first impressions have all been good. People have been very open and honest with me. I’ve felt well supported with the tools I’ve been given to do my job too – everything I’ve asked for I’ve been given.

I can see that the company wants to change for the better and I think it’s a very good business.

Can you tell us a little bit about your career to date? How did you get into the logistics industry?

I was born in Slovakia. For six years – from the age of about 16 and throughout university – I was actually a DJ.

During a period studying at university in Prague I ended up working in radio there. A lot of my friends at the time were studying in the UK, so I came over for what was meant to be a short trip to see them.

Somehow, I ended up staying and getting a job in logistics. I don’t really know how I got into logistics, but I like the industry because it’s very dynamic and fast paced. I started at Wincanton back in 2006 and have had a few different roles in the sector since, including at GXO, Argos and Lidl.

I love my job, as crazy as it sounds!

Do you have any initial plans in relation to your role?

Yes. Because the Bedford site is brand new, the very first thing I’m focusing on is developing the culture – creating a place where people feel safe and want to come to work. I want colleagues to feel that the business wants to develop and invest in them so that they are keen to stay working with us.

Service is, of course, another big focus. The operation has the potential to have a big impact on our customers – A.F. Blakemore’s own stores and all the independent businesses we serve – so we need to get it right.

Running a busy logistics operation, health and safety is always high on the agenda too.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work. 

I love football and I am a massive Arsenal supporter. I have brainwashed my son, Jake, into being a fan too, so we enjoy travelling to see Arsenal play a lot.

I still love music but am not a DJ anymore. I do miss it though!

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