Leaders look to the future
“View this crisis as an opportunity.” That was the message from Edouard Dayan, director general of the Universal Postal Union, as he addressed his peers and delegates at the World Postal Business Forum in Hannover on 29 September. Post&Parcel joined the industry’s most influential players in Germany as a who’s who of top executives discussed reshaping the sector, as the leaders looked to the future.
Dayan admitted that whilst the significant fall in mail volumes and a decline in the express market were disappointing, the industry can now view this crisis as an opportunity. The director general told delegates that this can be achieved through three points: commitment, increased confidence and trust, and partnerships.
His sentiments were also expressed by Deutsche Post DHL president and CEO Frank Appel, who after recently celebrating DHL’s 40th birthday celebrations on 25 September, discussed the importance of how his company will move forward. Appel detailed the company’s Strategy 2015 project, whilst placing huge emphasis on Delivering Tomorrow, Deutsche Post DHL’s strategy to meet customer needs in 2020 and beyond.
Appel highlighted the importance of sustainability throughout the sector, stating that: “Customers are demanding green products.” As well as discussing the company’s green ambitions, Appel also claimed there is still room for one-to-one contact and physical mail, citing that he writes more than 10 hand-written letters to different employees around the world a month – meaning the power of traditional mail cannot be underestimated. As much of the world embraces the email revolution, leaving physical mail volumes plummeting, Appel said that can be combated by “making the lives of the customers easier”.
Giving an Asian perspective was Radhika Doraiswamy, director general, Department of Posts India, who spoke in support of sustainable growth, stating that her company will become “a melting pot for the community” – both in rural and urban areas. Doraiswamy also promised that Posts India will continue to innovate to achieve this goal.
The executives’ positive outlook proved to brighten the mood in Hannover – even with the constant drizzle outside.
