When Stefania Everett first arrived in the UK from Grosseto, Tuscany, she intended to stay for just a few months. Thirty years later, she is celebrated as a “Europa Gold Legend” and takes on a pivotal new role as Head of Customer Service for Europa Warehouse.
The promotion marks an important development for Europa Warehouse, the 3PL division of ambitious and independent logistics operator Europa Worldwide Group. In this newly created role, Stefania leads divisional customer service, championing service standards, driving consistency and ensuring customers receive the proactive support they need.
Driving Excellence in Customer Service
Reporting directly to Dionne Redpath, Warehouse Divisional Director at Europa Worldwide Group, Stefania is responsible for ensuring Europa continues to deliver for its expanding customer base across its sites, including the division’s flagship Corby facility.
Stefania comments: “For me, excellence in customer service is much more than simply solving issues. It is about truly understanding each customer’s business, anticipating what they need and making sure they feel supported at every stage of the supply chain.
“Across Europa, our customers place a huge amount of trust in us. Our objective is to make sure our customer service is proactive, consistent and personal, so that every customer knows we are working as an extension of their own team. That means strong communication, accountability and a genuine commitment to keeping our promises.”
This customer focus has been shaped by Stefania’s three decades with Europa. Her story began in 1996, when she joined as a Data Input Clerk at the company’s then Erith site near Dartford. “I thought I’d come to the UK for six to 12 months, improve my English and then head back to Italy,” she smiles. “Well… 30 years later, I’m still here.”
Dedication to Development
It quickly became clear that Stefania had the determination to learn, grow and take every opportunity that came her way. “I realised that even data input came with opportunities,” she said. “I was surrounded by colleagues who were happy to help me improve my language skills.”
Her hard work soon led to a move into a Road Import Operator role, where she discovered her passion for the fast-paced world of logistics. “I absolutely loved it,” she said. “Suddenly I was interacting with customers and working closely with our European partners. It was challenging, exciting, and I knew I’d found my place.”
That drive to keep learning has become a defining feature of Stefania’s career. Promotions followed, and along the way she credits mentors and colleagues, including Alan Wheal and Bernadette Wilkins, with helping shape her career.
Over the years, Stefania’s role evolved alongside the business itself, moving UK Transport before joining Europa Warehouse in 2017.
“At that point, I knew very little about 3PL logistics,” she said. “But the learning curve was huge.” Working alongside colleagues, including Luis Ribeiro, Stefania helped transform the Dartford logistics site from a loss-making operation into a highly profitable one within months — an achievement she still describes as one of her proudest moments.
More recently, she successfully expanded her responsibilities across both Dartford and Birmingham sites, supporting teams through a period of change whilst increasing quality, performance and team cohesion before stepping into her latest division-wide customer service leadership role.
Nurturing Team Talent
For Stefania, saying “yes” to opportunities has always been key to her success. “If you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, the opportunities are there,” she said. “Europa genuinely invests in its people — it’s not just something we say, it’s something we live.”
This year, Stefania celebrates 30 years with Europa and achieves Gold Legend status. Despite three decades in the business, her passion remains as strong as ever. “What makes Europa special is the people,” she said. “There’s such a strong sense of teamwork and support. Over the years, colleagues become friends and, in many cases, extended family.”
Looking back on her journey from Tuscany to Europa Gold Legend and now Head of Customer Service for Europa Warehouse, Stefania says it is the relationships, challenges and personal growth that stand out most. “It’s been an amazing journey, and somehow, I still feel like I’m just getting started.”
On the promotion and career, Dionne Redpath FCILT, Chief Operating Officer and Warehouse Divisional Director at Europa Worldwide Group, said: “Stefania’s promotion is a hugely important appointment for Europa Warehouse. Customer service sits at the heart of a successful 3PL partnership, and Stefania brings the operational knowledge, energy and customer focus needed.
“Importantly, she understands our business, our people and our customers, and she has a proven track record of improving performance, building strong teams and delivering results. This new role helps us further strengthen the customer experience as we continue to grow. Stefania brings three decades of passion and experience to the new role, and she is a true Europa Legend.”
Stefania is the latest in a line of Europa Legends recognised for long service. Launched in 2023, Europa Legends celebrates the Europa team at the heart of its operations and recognises the loyal, long-serving colleagues who continue to support customers and help drive the business forward.