Kuehne + Nagel appoints new CEO

Follow @JosephWilkesWDM

World-leading logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The company’s Board of Directors came to the unanimous decision to appoint Dr Detlef Trefzger, currently a  member of the Kuehne + Nagel Management Board and responsible for Contract and Integrated Logistics.

He will take up the new position immediately.

Prior to joining Kuehne + Nagel, Trefzger was member of the Executive Board of Schenker AG, Germany, from 2004 to October 2012. He held worldwide responsibility for the business unit Contract Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and most recently he was in charge of Global Airfreight and Global Oceanfreight. 

Trefzger started his career at Siemens AG. In 1994 he moved to the logistics sector, initially as Principal at Roland Berger, Munich. In 1999 he was appointed Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Board of Schenker & CO AG, Vienna, Austria.

Karl Gernandt, Chairman and interim CEO of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce Detlef Trefzger as the new Kuehne + Nagel Group CEO.

“In addition to his comprehensive knowledge of the business and many years’ experience in the logistics industry, Detlef Trefzger’s expertise in general management also played a major role in helping us reach a decision.

“Over the past months he has made significant contributions to the successful implementation of our strategy. His management philosophy corresponds with the Kuehne + Nagel ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ and the company’s team-oriented culture will benefit greatly from his constructive leadership style.

“We are convinced that Detlef Trefzger will maintain the continuity of leadership and direction of our Company, while at the same time injecting new ideas to ensure its future, successful development.”