Expatshopping.com, the York-based "Internet supermarket" has appointed logistics expert Harry Cole as joint managing director as part of its rapid growth programme.

The global supermarket launched on the Net last April to satisfy the cravings for British food and products by Britons abroad was a huge overnight success. Since then a team of export, distribution and technology 'big hitters' has been head-hunted to assist the principal directors Richard Finch and Simon Aldrich with the expansion and development of the business.

Mr Cole , aged 48, of Mursley in Bucks, joins expatshopping.com at its base in Osbaldwick Link Road from Skelgate Holdings Ltd and Hays Plc bringing invaluable logistics experience to the organisation.

Welcoming him, joint managing director Richard Finch said: "We very quickly realised we needed the best team in the business to remain the number one player in this fledgling market. In Harry we have gained unrivalled logistics and management expertise, and his input will be crucial to the direction of the company over coming months and years."

An expat for more than five years, Mr Cole has first hand experience of the market. His remit within expatshopping.com will include the development of a new business-to-business product offer and managing imminent expansion of the dozen-strong team.

Mr Cole, a married father of two, said: "I have a huge challenge ahead of me, but I have been keen to be involved with the venture for some months now.

"We have a vast potential market, and the opportunity to build on our position as the one and only expert in shipping UK brand products to individual and corporate customers worldwide."

n Expatshopping.com bids for Evening Press Business Awards. See centre pages