ceo interview with frank appel

8/2/2019 CEO Interview With Frank Appel

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1. What year did you join Deutsche PostWorld Net and what are your main duties as

a member of Deutsche Post AGs Board ofManagement?

I joined Deutsche Post AG in 2000 as Managing

Director of the Corporate Development Unit, andhave been a member of the Board ofManagement responsible for Corporate Services

since November 2002. A year later, I began to

manage the logistics division as well.

From 1 January 2006, I also assumed

responsibility for the newly created Global

Business Services Corporate Division, whichoversees group-wide global internal service

functions such as procurement, legal services,

IT services, real estate, f inance operations aswell as our Global Customer Solutions unit.

2. How has your doctorate in neurobiologyand background as a chemist helped you in

your career so far?

My work in neurobiology and chemistry definitely

helps me to approach challenges in a clear andstructured way. For example, I only arrive at

conclusions based on facts and after thorough

analysis, and not just based on mereassumptions.

My experience as a chemist also inculcated inme a high degree of discipline and tolerance as

it is the norm for a chemist to encounter several

failures with their experiments before they finally

achieve success. The important thing is not tolose faith in your ultimate goal. You just have to

review what went wrong and try again.

6. What three items in the office are specialto you?

My telephone - I prefer direct and open

communication with everyone as opposed towriting lengthy emails.

A photo of my wife and two children -important balance to my work.The open door to my secretary and staff -

they help me organise my daily calendar and

work duties, and somehow always manage to

find a time slot for any necessary external orinternal discussions in my usually fully

booked day.

7. What do you do to relax after a long day

at work?

I like to indulge in sports like swimming, jogging,

and playing with my children and spending time

with my wife when I am at home or enjoying aninteresting book with a good glass of wine.

8. What has been the proudest moment in

your career so far?

There have been several special moments ofwhich I feel very proud:

When I saw my first article published in ascience journal

When I became a Partner at McKinsey and

a Member of the Board of Management at

Deutsche Post World NetWhen I saw people I coached grow andsucceed

9 What was your ambition when you were a

Interview with Frank Appel http://www.dhl-gcs.com/site/2006/issue5/exec_sp

2/14/2009


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child?

To become a scientist.

10. If you could invite anyone to dinner, who

would it be?

First, my wife. Second, revolutionarypersonalities in science like James Watson and

Francis Crick, who cracked the DNA code in1959.

11. What is the single most important quality

a good leader should possess?

In my opinion, a good leader should be able toattract and develop excellent management talent

or the right people for the job. He or she

should encourage an open and constructiveteam. Most importantly, he should possess a

leadership approach based on clear and

measurable targets.

Being a good leader is a never-ending dailychallenge. You have to be firmly rooted in

yourself, live up to your principles, and motivate

and constantly challenge people towards furtherdevelopment. You have to remain f lexible and

excited about changes and sometimes dare to

think the unthinkable while leading your people

to new horizons that have not been planned for.They will, however, only follow you with

passionate commitment if you manage to createan atmosphere of openness, constructive

feedback, excitement and trust.

13. Who is your inspirational business

leader and why?

To be honest, I have never followed any clearrole model or business leader. I believe you

have to find your own way, constantly building

on your own personal strengths and trying tobalance your weaknesses. In so doing you will

not only be able to excel in what you do, but

also inspire and motivate those around you.

This acquisition is part of our growth strategy

and not aimed at consolidation. Together, Exeland Deutsche Post World Net will be able to

provide even more value for customers byleveraging our respective strengths to offer

top-notch global logistics solutions.

The acquisition of Exel is a natural fit for our

business and strengthens our logistics solutions

capabilities. Both businesses complement eachother in terms of product offerings, geographical

coverage as well as industry-specific know-how.

The integration of both businesses has enabledus to achieve the number one position in

contract logistics, air freight and ocean freight.

We strongly believe that this market leadership

position will yield significant benefits for ourcustomers, our shareholders and ouremployees.

It is our goal to be the first choice for ourcustomers. We want to offer them a widespectrum of logistics solutions encompassing all

modes of transport ranging from express to airand ocean freight. We want to be their numberone preferred strategic partner.

4. What do you think is the biggest hurdle

for Deutsche Post World Net in the comingyears?

The biggest challenge we are going to face in

the future is the industrialisation of our business.We are very well aware that in order to establish

ourselves as the number one logistics solution

provider in the world, we have to differentiateourselves from our competitors. To achieve this

we have to standardise our business processes

even further to offer our customers superiorquality in operations and services.

In general, I am a rather positive person with myfamily as my main pillar of support especially

during stressful periods. Nevertheless, some of

my typical concerns are the well-being of myfamily and whether I have done my best to make

the organisation successful.


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Have a question on logistics? Get them answered here!Frank Appel of Deutsche Post World Net will answer anything you need to know about Deutsche Post World Net

and topic of leadership. Quick - send in your questions and stand a chance to win a Standard Chartered Bookon importing and exporting in China. This recently published book is a handy guide for people in the logistics

industry, so send in your questions as fast as you can!

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2/14/2009

ceo interview with frank appel

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