Virus? What Virus? Shipping and Logistics Vacancies in a Time of Crisis Still Need to be Filled

GERMANY – IRELAND – Dachser has announced a series of changes to its Executive team. After 31 years of close cooperation in operational management positions at Dachser, CEO Bernhard Simon and his deputy Michael Schilling, COO Road Logistics, will join the logistics provider's Supervisory Board in 2021, with Simon becoming its Chair. Burkhard Eling, who joined the Dachser Executive Board as CFO in 2013, will become the new CEO of the family-owned company on January 1, 2021.

Also on January 1, 2021, Stefan Hohm will assume responsibility as Chief Development Officer for the new IT & Development executive unit. Alexander Tonn will join Dachser’s Executive Board as COO Road Logistics. The position of CFO will be filled by then as well. Finally, Edoardo Podestà will remain on the Executive Board as COO Air & Sea Logistics.

Additionally, John van den Berg has taken over as Managing Director of Dachser Ireland since the beginning of this year. He succeeds Albert Johnston, who is retiring. Van den Berg, who started with Dachser in 2006 played a pivotal role during the final integration and rebranding stages as Johnston Logistics became Dachser Ireland after it acquired the Irish logistics provider in 2017.

GERMANY – Josef Parzhuber, President and General Manager of MANN+HUMMEL’s Automotive Aftermarket, will leave the global filtration firm effective April 30. Until a suitable successor is found, President and CEO, Kurk Wilks will lead the Automotive Aftermarket unit on an interim basis.

Additionally, Harald Späth has been appointed President and General Manager for the Original Equipment business unit, effective immediately. He succeeds Wilks, who was appointed President and CEO of the MANN+HUMMEL Group in January 2020. Späth currently holds the position of Senior Vice President Original Equipment Europe, which he will continue in addition to his new role until further notice.

SWITZERLAND – GREMANY – Imperial Logistics International has appointed Robert Berganus to the newly-created post of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Contract Logistics, with effect from April 1. Based in Zurich and Duisburg, Berganus will be responsible for contract logistics operations across the business’ key industry verticals, reporting to CEO International, Hakan Bicil.

NORWAY – Ocean Installer has announced the appointment of Ingrid Due-Gundersen as the company’s new CFO, effective since April 1. She will be based in the newly established office in Oslo.

UK – WORLDWIDE – Glasgow headquartered ship management and marine services company V. Group, which is based in 60 worldwide offices, has appointed Petter Traaholt as Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the board. Petter joined V.Group from Eltel Group, a provider of technical services for power and communication networks, where he was Group CFO, based in Stockholm.

Prior to joining Eltel in 2017, Petter held a number of senior operations and finance roles in Wilhelmsen Holding ASA; initially combining roles as CFO and Deputy CEO of Wilhelmsen Maritime Service, then in 2010 becoming President of Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions. He has also held international senior finance roles with ASSA ABLOY, Boliden and Trelleborg Group.

UK – London-based Beacon, the freight forwarding and supply chain finance company, has appointed Brenton Booth as Head of Supply Chain Finance as of April 1. Prior to joining Beacon, Brenton ran his own strategy and product development consultancy working with financial services companies and fintechs in the creation of new trade, working capital finance and logistics solutions. During his 25-year career, Brenton has also served as Global Head of Product Management: Trade and Working Capital at Barclays Bank.

US – Mike Meierkort has been appointed Head of Americas at DAMCO, as the freight forwarder launches a new Cargo Rescue Program in the US, with two service offerings to help ease supply chain congestion caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Meierkort has over 32 years’ experience in logistics, including senior roles with Panalpina, Vanguard Logistics, and, most recently, Livingston International. He is overseeing the launch of the new Rescue Program across the US, which includes a ‘Park and Save’ option for customers who need short-term assistance when supply chains are congested, and a ‘Strip and Store’ option for cargo without a functional receiving location.

Photo: Dachser’s new Executive Board from 2021. Alexander Tonn, future COO Road Logistics, Michael Schilling, current COO Road Logistics; Burkhard Eling, new CEO; Bernhard Simon, current CEO; Edoardo Podestà, COO Air & Sea Logistics; Stefan Hohm, new CDO.