Henk Venema takes on top airfreight role at DHL Global Forwarding

DHL stalwart Henk Venema has taken on the role of EVP, head of airfreight, for DHL Global Forwarding. 

Mr Venema, who has been with DHL for nearly a decade, has been CEO Western Europe for more than two years. 

“A move that came all of a sudden, but those surprises are typically the best,” he wrote on social media today.

“Together with the team in Global, the regional teams and, most importantly, the country teams, we will continue a strong DGF Global Air product and target further growth and innovative products combined with strong airline and internal partnerships. I look forward to the future cooperation with Oscar de Bok and the DGF Global management board.“ 

He has previously worked in airfreight as global product director air for Geodis, and then as VP head of airfreight Netherlands for DGF, and is well known in air cargo circles. 

Mr Venema said the appointment had brought him “pleasure and pride”, but added: “It does bring a sudden end to my tenure in Western Europe and as managing director for the Netherlands, one that does not end without emotions. It was a true honour and pleasure to work with the teams in France, Belgium, Luxemburg and the longest time spent in my home country with the awesome team of DGF Netherlands. I will continue to watch you grow, and you are all simply the best. But I would not mind a faster growth in airfreight!” 

CEO Mr de Bok added: “Henk brings a depth of operational experience that matters in airfreight. He understands the product from every angle; carriers, capacity, service quality, pricing and the day-to-day realities of running a resilient network.  

“His more than 20-year career … has shaped a leader who is close to the customer and clear on what good looks like. I’ve had the chance to work directly with Henk over the past years through a joint account sponsorship, and more importantly, I’ve seen first-hand how effectively he has led our Benelux business.  

“Airfreight is a demanding environment, and our ambition is to strengthen our position by delivering consistently, acting with speed and creating real value for our customers. Henk’s leadership will help us strengthen the reliability, transparency and service performance that define a forwarder people choose with confidence and stay with. I look forward to working closely with him as we take the next steps in building a resilient, customer-focused and competitive airfreight organisation.” 

In 2023, DHL GF appointed Max Sauberschwarz as EVP global airfreight, taking over from Thomas Mack, who retired. DHL told The Loadstar that Mr Sauberschwarz has “decided to resign, [and is] looking for opportunities outside the company”.

“We thank Max for his contribution to DHL Global Forwarding and wish him all the best for the future,” said a spokesperson.

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