News / Detlef Trefzger steps down as K+N CEO and road chief Stefan Paul moves up

Detlef Trefzger will step down as chief executive of Kuehne + Nagel after a nine-year tenure, for “private reasons” the company said today.

He will be replaced in August next year by Stefan Paul (pictured), board member currently responsible for road logistics and sales.

He began at K+N in 1990, but left in 1997 to join DHL Global Forwarding, rejoining the Swiss forwarder in 2013.

“One of Kuehne + Nagel’s principles is long-term company development, which includes, above all, succession planning for management positions,” explained chairman Joerg Wolle.

“In view of the company’s very successful performance, the focus thereby lies on ensuring continuity. With the appointment of Stefan Paul as CEO, the global strategy and corporate culture will be sustained. The board has held Stefan Paul in high esteem for many years and considers him to be an outstanding leader for the company’s future.

“We would like to take the opportunity now to thank Dr Trefzger for his leadership over the past years. Together with his management team, he has succeeded in developing Kuehne + Nagel and achieving excellent results.”

Dr Trefzger spent some 14 years at DB Schenker before joining K+N in 2013.