Global logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel (K+N) said it is now focusing on raising its presence and accelerating its “organic and inorganic growth” in the Asia-Pacific, with the first step the consolidation of its two regional organizations.
The Swiss logistics provider said that after combining the former three European regions into one Europe and integrating its three major acquisitions in the North America region, “the focus for the years to come is on Asia Pacific.”
To further strengthen its role in logistics across Asia, K+N said it will concentrate strengths and combine its two Asian organizations into one region.
The company is merging its activities with the two current regional managers—Jens Drewes, president of Asia-Pacific South based in Singapore, and Siew Loong Wong, president of Asia-Pacific North based in Shanghai, China—jointly leading developments.
“With immediate effect, the new Asia Pacific region with about 10,000 professionals will be headquartered in Singapore. The two current regional managers Mr. Jens Drewes and Mr. Siew Loong Wong will jointly lead the ambitious development of Kuehne + Nagel in Asia Pacific,” it said.
Analysts interpret K+N’s move to consolidate its regional operations in Singapore as a sign it wants to increase operational efficiency as market conditions in China have grown more difficult, partly due to the trade war with the US.
Joerg Wolle, chairman of the Board of Directors at Kuehne + Nagel International AG, said: “We strongly believe that Asia Pacific will be the driver of the global economic development in the years to come. The joint leadership of the region by two proven executives will prepare the ground for a new dimension of organic and inorganic growth of our networks to even better serve our customers.”
