DHL Global Forwarding announces new Americas CEO

Bill Meahl, currently Americas CEO, to retire in September 2021, serving in an advisory role until then

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group, announced today Tim Robertson will succeed Bill Meahl as CEO for DHL Global Forwarding Americas. Meahl is retiring after a successful career that has spanned almost four decades at DHL. Robertson will be reporting directly to Tim Scharwath, CEO DHL Global Forwarding, Freight.

“I am thrilled to announce Tim Robertson as the new DHL Global Forwarding CEO for the Americas region. His vast experience in our industry and his vision for strong business growth will have a huge impact as we continue to expand our network,” said Meahl. “Tim has continuously improved operational standards and customer satisfaction over the years. His commitment to innovation and digitalization will move us forward across the region and only reinforce our status as the leading freight forwarding specialist.”

Meahl’s contribution to the DHL organization includes the current CEO role at DHL Global Forwarding in the Americas region where he grew revenue, expanded market share and improved its network, adding new routes and services as well as expanding critical locations in Indianapolis, Costa Rica and Mexico. The expansions and new services have been needed to meet the demands of increased global trade and customer growth. 

Robertson joined DHL in 2002 as VP Strategic Development for the Forwarding division, followed by several management positions in operations, business development, and marketing & sales in the Americas region and Europe. During this time he successfully led the profitable growth of the Los Angeles market as Station Manager, before overseeing the growth of the European MNC business, based in Basel. Returning to the US in 2012, Tim established the Marketing & Sales team for DHL Global Forwarding US organization. 

In 2016 he stepped into the role of VP BPO, Customer Service and ISC/LLP DHL Global Forwarding Americas and later on took over the additional responsibility for Air Freight for one year, where he played a pivotal role in the performance and profitability of the airfreight products and services. In 2018 Robertson was appointed as CIO DHL Global Forwarding Americas in addition to his role as Head of BPO.  

In his new appointment as regional CEO, Robertson will be responsible for the management of DHL Global Forwarding business activities including leading more than 7,500 employees across 16 countries.

Prior to joining DHL, he served as an analyst and consultant providing guidance on topics related to corporate strategy, supply chain performance and strategic sourcing for diverse clients in various industries in Australia.  He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Harvard Business School; and a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honors in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sydney in Australia.

Meahl’s retirement is effective September 2021. Leading up to that retirement date, Meahl will serve in an advisory role; Robertson will start their new positions on Oct. 1, 2020.