Stobart says trading "solid" as new chairman named Haulage firm Stobart today said it had made "solid" progress during the first six months of the year as it named Unilever veteran Iain Ferguson as its new chairman. Ferguson, who spent 26 years with the consumer goods giant after graduating from St Andrews University, takes the helm on 1 October, replacing interim chairman Paul Orchard-Lisle. Following his stint at Unilever, Ferguson was chief executive of Tate & Lyle from 2003 to 2009, and is currently a non-executive director at infrastructure group Balfour Beatty and bakery chain Greggs. Stobart chief executive Andrew Tinkler said: "We have a great business with some significant opportunities and I am very pleased that Iain is joining us to help us to deliver value for shareholders." The appointment was announced as Stobart, best known for its iconic trucks, said it had made solid progress in the six months to the end of August, despite the volatile weather. The group also owns airports at Carlisle and Southend and sources timber for biomass power plants. First-half results are due to be published on 24 October.