DHL Express has appointed Peter Bardens as the senior vice president for Asia Pacific Network Operations & Aviation, effective September 1, 2024.

The international express service provider said Bardens will bring his experience from managing ground operations in Europe to lead the Asia-Pacific region's high-achieving aviation network and ground operations.

He will also join the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board.

"Based in Singapore, Peter takes over the reins from Sean Wall, who will move on to a global role to oversee ground operations, effective January 1, 2025," DHL Express said in the announcement, noting that Wall will continue to be based in Singapore.

"We own a strong, well-oiled aviation and ground operations network that facilitates global trade flows and movement of crucial shipments round the clock. The efficiency and reliability of our network are vital to a growing customer base looking to buy and sell from anywhere in the world. Peter has a proven track record of delivering results and driving operational excellence in Europe. His competence in operations planning and people-first leadership approach will be instrumental to bolstering our Asia-Pacific network and meeting our customer demands," said Ken Lee, CEO of Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

Asia Pacific investments

DHL Express noted that it is constantly investing in its Asia Pacific aviation network and facilities to optimize capacity and efficiency, such as introducing direct flights between Hong Kong and Sydney to cater to Oceania-North Asia demand.

It said the largest infrastructural investment is the Central Asia Hub, which received EUR562 million (US$620 million) in investment.

DHL Express said it also invested EUR131 million (US$144 million) to expand its Incheon Gateway in South Korea in 2023 and, most recently, opened the new Adelaide Gateway in Australia with more than EUR20 million (US$23 million) of investments.

This coming October 2024, the company will also unveil the new Kuala Lumpur Gateway in Malaysia.

In his new role, Bardens heads the ground and aviation network in Asia Pacific, comprising more than 25 freighters, 7,200 pick-up and delivery vehicles, and 1,100 facilities.

The facilities form a connected system of 50 gateways and three main hubs in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore, where approximately 710 flights pass through per day.

"Asia Pacific’s logistics is highly demanding. I am honoured to lead and guide the passionate and adaptable team here that has constantly shown a positive attitude to operate and deliver with precision and relentless efficiency," Bardens commented.

"I am confident that my vast network and ground operations planning background will help guide the team to navigate this landscape’s ever-evolving market demands," he added.

Prior to taking up the new appointment, Bardens served as the vice president of Ground Operations in Europe, where he oversaw the Cologne-Bonn and Paris-Charles de Gaulle hubs.