DHL names Hickler to new US strategy post

DHL named former APL Logistics CEO Hans Hickler to the new position of vice president of strategy and business implementation in the United States. Deutsche Post-controlled DHL lost $638 million in the U.S. in 2004, its first full year of attempting to become the United States’ “third alternative” for express delivery. DHL anticipates losses exceeding $300 million in the U.S. in 2005. DHL Express Americas CEO John Mullen has said that DHL’s U.S. service levels need to improve if the global operator is going to profitably compete with incumbents FedEx and UPS in the world’s largest express market. Hickler’s appointment appears to be part of an effort by DHL to shore up U.S. customer service. “We are confident that DHL will benefit from Mr. Hickler’s extensive background in management and technology, and his consistent focus on customer needs will help ensure that every DHL customer receives a best-in-class customer experience,” said Mullen. Hickler will be responsible for the development and implementation of DHL’s U.S. business strategy, as well as overseeing the company’s real estate, procurement and internal consulting functions. Prior to assuming his new role with DHL, Hickler spent more than two decades with the NOL Group and its subsidiaries APL and APL Logistics. He held positions of progressing responsibility, and most recently served as CEO of APL Logistics.  “DHL is committed to continually enhancing the overall customer experience and looking for ways to add value to its portfolio of products and services,” said Hickler.  “I look forward to participating in this process.”