Australian freight giant Toll Group has announced its new leader, with the operator revealing its latest executive chairman to start the new financial year.

Thomas Knudsen will assume the role, effective from July 1, taking on the role in an interim capacity.

He replaces Alan Beacham, who departed the role of group managing director earlier this year.

Knudsen brings more than three decades of experience in global logistics and leadership across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas to the role.

He joined Toll in 2018 as president of Global Forwarding before serving as managing director from 2020 to 2022. He most recently was a non-executive chairman from 2022 to 2025.

He has played a significant role in strengthening Toll’s global operations over the years, including navigating the business through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and driving key innovation and efficiency initiatives.

As executive chairman, Knudsen will provide executive oversight while continuing to work closely with the Toll Board and executive leadership team to ensure continuity of operations and a sharp focus on business performance.

“Toll has a proud history and a strong future. I’m honoured to step into this role at a pivotal time and continue working alongside a talented leadership team committed to delivering for our customers, people and partners,” he says.

“My focus will be on stability, execution, and momentum as we transition into our next chapter.”

In addition to his extensive experience with Toll, Knudsen currently advises several private equity and investment firms, bringing strong commercial insight and a global perspective on capital strategy and business transformation.

While originally from Denmark, Knudsen has been based in Singapore since 2010. He holds an Executive Master of Management in Supply Chain from IE Business School in Madrid, and has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, INSEAD, and Cranfield School of Management.