DHL veteran to spearhead Xpress' global drive

SPEED printer Xpress Holdings, in an effort to inject greater professionalism into the once family-run company, has hired former senior DHL Express executive Poh Eng Seng to spearhead its global expansion plans.

Mr Poh, a DHL veteran of 17 years and who is now director of strategic planning and business development, will be responsible for charting the strategic business development plan for the group’s pre-press and printing services, and enhance its distribution network and logistics management systems, a company statement said.

‘We aim to be tops as a global print solutions provider by having a worldwide network of offices to service our clients,’ said Mr Poh.

Following its disastrous venture into Internet technology, Xpress has been rebuilding its original business as a print solutions provider for companies that need printed material in a hurry.

Mr Poh’s appointment follows that of former Comfort head Sam Chong Keen who was made chief executive of the company for a salary of 1 USD a year but with 15 million Xpress shares to be given to him over two years – thereby tying his fortune to that of the company.

Xpress’ flamboyant founder, Fong Kah Kuen, better known as KK Fong, who still has a 12 per cent stake in the company, is now its chief operating officer, relishing his role as its ‘super salesman’.

‘Mr Poh’s appointment will strengthen the group’s management team. He will play a pivotal role in our strategy to grow Xpress regionally, especially in China, India, Australia and the Middle East,’ said Mr Sam.

‘While we have all the relevant infrastructure and technical ability to satisfy the most demanding print jobs, we see a need to further enhance our distribution logistics capabilities. This will enable Xpress to anticipate and exceed the expectations of our key financial and commercial print customers.

‘Supply chain management will be a critical component as we expand – first regionally and then globally. The print-media business is becoming increasingly time-sensitive and Mr Poh’s regional experience in logistics and distribution will be critical for our future growth.’

Mr Poh 53, a civil engineering graduate from Singapore University, also has a Master’s degree in Science (Civil) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He previously worked as an executive engineer at the Changi Airport Development division of PWD and at the Singapore MRT.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Poh, who in 1986, was a member of a government consultant team to draw city master plans for Xiamen and Fuzhou in China, said: ‘The new Xpress group is embarking on a major business growth strategy following its acquisitions of PMG (Precise Media Group) and Jiaxinda (a medium-sized Chinese printer) and I look forward to playing a significant role to make this strategy a success.’

He also noted that the speed printing business was akin to the logistics business of DHL, and his experience in China where he spent the last three years would put him in good stead for Xpress’ business there.