Hellmann launches next growth phase with new global leadership structure

The Supervisory Board of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics announces upcoming changes to its Management Board and the International Executive Board (IEB).

Over the past years, Hellmann has built a strong foundation for sustainable growth by implementing a new organizational structure, launching significant investments in IT and digital infrastructure, and fostering a renewed corporate culture. Under the leadership of Jens Drewes, who assumed the CEO role in June this year, the focus is now on capitalizing on this foundation and unlocking the full potential to increase market share across all product areas. The new setup of the global leadership team, which will take effect in January 2025, reflects these strategic ambitions and positions Hellmann for the next phase of expansion.

"The strong performance in recent years shows that Hellmann is built on a solid foundation. Now it's time to fully unlock this potential and further expand the company's global footprint across all product areas – not only in its home market of Europe but globally. The new appointments set the stage for the subsequent growth phase, and I look forward to working with the management team to take Hellmann to the next level," says Dr. Thomas C. Lieb, Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

Changes to the Management Board

Jens Wollesen, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) overseeing all product areas and a highly valued member of the Management Board, has decided to leave the company at the end of the year to initially focus on his personal life. “We want to take this opportunity to thank Jens Wollesen for his exceptional dedication and contributions over the past years, which have played a key role in bringing Hellmann to where it stands today,” adds Dr. Thomas C. Lieb.

In alignment with the company's strategic direction to enhance its focus on customers and markets, two COOs – each responsible for three product areas – will be appointed to the Management Board, alongside Jens Drewes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Martin Eberle, Chief Financial Officer (CFO):

Stefan Borggreve, currently Chief Digital Officer (CDO) and member of the Management Board, will be appointed COO Road, Rail, and CEP, focusing on the expansion and transformation of these product segments. In the new position, he will also continue to drive the important strategic topics of IT & Digital, innovation and sustainability in the top leadership team.

Madhav Kurup – currently Regional CEO of IMEA based in Dubai – will be appointed to the Management Board as COO Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics. In this role – alongside the respective Product COOs at the IEB level – he will be responsible for the global strategic development of these products and further expand present and future product and vertical joint ventures. Madhav Kurup has exceptional product and strategic expertise, with a strong track record in driving growth projects. At the same time, his appointment enriches Hellmann´s cultural and regional diversity in the Management Board, reflecting the company´s commitment to global expansion. Kurup will continue to lead the IMEA region on an interim basis.

Changes to the International Executive Board

Additionally, there will be changes in the IEB, Hellmann´s second global management level with Jonathan Adeoye, currently COO Road Germany and West Europe, assuming the role of COO Road with global responsibility at the IEB level, focusing on expanding Hellmann´s product reach in the European market.