Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a leading German transport and logistics company, has appointed its Dubai-based Regional CEO (India Middle East and Africa) Madhav Kurup as the new Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics and also a Member of the Management Board. 

 

In this role he will be responsible for the global strategic development of these products and further expand present and future product and vertical joint ventures.  

 

This is the first time in the company’s 150-year history that a non-German member has made it to the Global Management Board, and the first time a Hellmann Board member will be based outside Germany, thus reflecting the company’s commitment to global expansion and diversification.

 

Lauding the appointment, Dr. Thomas C. Lieb, Chairman of Hellmann Supervisory Board, said: "Our strong performance in recent years demonstrates that Hellmann is built on a solid foundation. Now it is time to fully unlock this potential and further expand the company's global footprint across all product areas – not only in its home market of Europe but globally."

 

Kurup, he stated, has exceptional product and strategic expertise, with a strong track record in driving growth projects. 

 

He has transformed Hellmann from the traditional freight forwarding organization to a fully integrated service provider by achieving market leadership in automotive, healthcare, and expanding into e-commerce. 

 

The company has grown from 100 employees in 2008 to more than 2000 employees with 20 operating entities in 14 countries within the IMEA region, he added. 

 

Kurup has been with Hellmann for 16 years as Regional CEO initially for the Middle East, and then expanding geography to Indian Sub-Continent and later to the African continent. He has been a member of the International Executive Board since 2018.

 

Born and raised in Kerala, the southern state of India, he studied in local schools to then complete a master’s degree in finance. His previous business experience includes Maersk Line agency, Schlumberger IPM, and RHS Group prior to joining Hellmann in 2008.

 

On his elevation, Kurup said: "Hellmann's growth is driven by strategic investments in people, infrastructure, and systems with a great culture."

 

"I look forward to continuing our commitment to creating value for our customers and being a part of the exciting journey ahead for Hellmann," he added.-TradeArabia News Service