Mark Kunar moves up as DHL's Patrick Kelleher is named GXO's new CEO

Photo: GXO

In a game of musical chairs among top supply chain executives, leading pure-play contract logistics operator GXO has appointed DHL Supply Chain’s ex-head of North America, Patrick Kelleher (above), as its new group chief executive.

Meanwhile, DHL Supply Chain has named company veteran Mark Kunar, currently its North America chief financial officer and chief strategy officer, as Mr Kelleher’s replacement, “with immediate effect”.

Mr Kelleher will replace GXO CEO Malcolm Wilson on 19 August. He announced his retirement at the end of last year.

News of Mr Kelleher’s appointment came hot on the heels of the decision by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority to clear the company’s acquisition of UK provider Wincanton, which was accompanied by an upgrade to its 2025 financial guidance with an improved EBITDA forecast.

According to Loadstar Premium’s DeskOne, GXO was the best stock performer among US transport and logistics firms last Friday, its share price surging 12.3% in single day, while most other listed firms’ shares remained flat.

“Patrick is a world-class operator with the relevant experience to lead GXO through its next phase of growth,” said GXO chairman Brad Jacobs. “His proven track record and deep expertise in engineered solutions, automation, and cutting-edge contract logistics make him uniquely qualified to drive value for our customers and shareholders. We’re thrilled to welcome him as our new CEO.”

The moves will certainly make for an interesting competitive dynamic in the North American contract logistics market between two of the largest operators, given how well the two executives know each other.

Mr Kunar (pictured below) joined DHL Supply Chain in 1996 as a financial analyst and “in his nearly 30 years with the company he has grown to become a knowledgeable and respected leader holding various operational, finance, commercial and functional management positions”, DHL said.

Photo: DHL Supply Chain

He began his current role last year and “played a pivotal role in the company’s recent acquisitions in the North American market”, including this year’s purchases of returns solutions provider Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, pharma courier CRYOPDP, and e-commerce provider IDS Fulfillment.

He will report to DHL Supply Chain global CEO Oscar de Bok, who said: “Mark’s broad supply chain and management expertise, paired with his proven commercial acumen and his balanced leadership style makes him the ideal candidate to take our business into the future in this key market.

“His leadership will be instrumental in guiding DHL Supply Chain North America as we continue to focus on excellence and innovation in our operations. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Patrick for his leadership over the years,” he added.