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Peter Baker
Retired
Professional Background
Peter Baker has cultivated an impressive career centered around logistics, supply chain management, and consulting. Beginning his professional journey in freight forwarding and ship's agency, Peter spent the first ten years establishing himself in the industry. He notably set up and managed a branch office for an international freight forwarder in Southampton, which provided him with invaluable experience in the practical aspects of logistics and transport operations.
After gaining a Master's degree—specifically an MSc in Distribution Technology and Management—from the prestigious Cranfield School of Management, Peter transitioned into consultancy. He offered his expertise to a specialist materials handling and distribution consultancy, honing his skills and further enhancing his understanding of the complexities involved in supply chain dynamics.
Peter then joined Deloitte Consulting, where he dedicated twelve years to their Supply Chain division. Throughout his tenure, he rose through the ranks from Consultant to Senior Consultant, eventually becoming a Manager. During this period, he conducted over 70 supply chain projects that spanned various industries, including both the public and private sectors. These projects took him across Europe, North America, the Far East, Central Asia, West Africa, and the Middle East, focusing on essential aspects such as supply chain strategy, international logistics, and inventory control.
In addition to his consultancy work, Peter pursued an academic career at Cranfield University, where he spent twelve years as a Lecturer and later as a Senior Lecturer within the Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management. His teachings focused on critical areas, including distribution centre design and international transport operations. During this period, he completed a PhD, which he published academically, on the significant topic of “The role, design and operation of distribution centres in agile supply chains.” His academic contributions have profoundly impacted students and professionals in the logistics field.
Transitioning into advisory roles, Peter served as the Director of Orion Logistics Consulting Ltd, a position from which he has since retired. Through this consulting firm, he led various notable projects, including reviewing European distribution strategies for retailers and project management of warehouse redesigns, demonstrating his consulting prowess and strategic insights. His training courses and workshops have reached audiences in diverse locations such as the UK, Spain, the USA, and the Caribbean, helping to elevate the standard of logistics education globally.
Peter has also taken on the role of a Visiting Fellow at the Cranfield University School of Management, which solidifies his commitment to academic excellence and the dissemination of knowledge. He is recognized as a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) and also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, highlighting his standing in the logistics profession and his contributions to education.
Education and Achievements
Peter Baker's educational credentials are as impressive as his professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Lancaster University, where he laid the foundation for his analytical and economic acumen.
He further advanced his education by obtaining an MSc in Distribution Technology and Management at the esteemed Cranfield School of Management. This degree equipped him with the necessary management and technical skills to excel in the logistics sector. Ultimately, his academic journey culminated in a PhD in Logistics & Supply Chain Management at the same institution. This rigorous academic pursuit not only honed his research skills but also allowed him to contribute new knowledge to the field through published works.
Peter is a co-author of significant industry publications, such as "The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management" and the
UK Warehouse Benchmarking Report," in addition to being an editor for "The Principles of Warehouse Design." These contributions demonstrate his thought leadership and commitment to advancing the field of logistics and distribution management.
Achievements
- Extensive experience of over 20 years in the logistics and supply chain sector, showcasing expertise in freight forwarding, consultancy, and academia.
- Successfully managed and executed over 70 supply chain projects across various industries globally, indicating a profound level of expertise in supply chain strategy, procurement, international logistics, and warehouse operations.
- Contributed significantly to logistics education as a lecturer at Cranfield University, with a focus on supply chain management and distribution centre design, alongside completing a PhD through academic publications.
- Developed and delivered multiple training programs aimed at improving logistical and supply chain knowledge among professionals in various global markets.
- Recognition as a Fellow with both The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) and the Higher Education Academy, underscoring his dedication to the continuous development of standards in logistics and education.
- Published works that serve as significant resources for practitioners and academics in the field of logistics and supply chain management, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the discipline.
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