DHL GLOBAL Forwarding announced two appointments to its Asia Pacific management board.

DHL Global Forwarding India CEO Niki Frank will expand his portfolio to include the entire sub-region of South Asia.

Yvonne Lee – head of strategic projects, DHL Global Forwarding ASEAN and South Asia, and head of business processes and organisation, DHL Global Forwarding Thailand – will assume the role of managing director, DHL Global Forwarding Philippines.

Both will report directly to Kelvin Leung, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific.

Mr Leung said trade is a key driving force behind economic development and prosperity.

“With intraregional trade at almost a third of its potential, there remains room for the growth of trade in South Asia,” he said.

“I am confident that Niki’s strategic foresight and experience gleaned from his time in the global head office and his familiarity with the South Asian market as head of our business in India, will help develop this vital part of our Asia Pacific business.”

Frank is to oversee the newly created South Asia sub-regional portfolio that comprises India, Pakistan, headed by Umair Alam as managing director, and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka managed by Fabian Rybka.

Frank said the South Asian markets have enormous potential to offer.

“I am deeply committed to helping local businesses explore the vast cross-border opportunities within the region and beyond,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with our teams in the various countries and empowering them to boost service and customer satisfaction levels.”

As managing director of DHL Global Forwarding Philippines, Lee will be responsible for leading the business on its growth trajectory and overseeing the business’ digital transformation efforts, in line with the Group’s Strategy 2025, to elevate customer and employee experience as well as improve operational excellence.

Leung said the Philippine economy, like many others, has taken a hit this year because of Covid-19.

“But [it] is expected to see a gradual rebound from 2021 onwards, even as the ASEAN region anticipates consumer spending to double by 2030,” he said.

“With her experience across various business functions, including in a strategic regional role, and her sharp business acumen, Yvonne is the ideal candidate to lead our business in the Philippines to capture opportunities as the market recovers and moves into its next phase of growth.”

Lee started her career with DPDHL Group as a management trainee before moving on to a variety of roles spanning operations effectiveness, project management, performance measurement and customer implementation. In her most recent role as head of strategic projects, ASEAN and South Asia, she oversaw several key change management and transformation projects for the freight forwarder.

“One of my key priorities is to drive an even more customer-centric approach in response to the evolving needs of local businesses, as we ramp up our digitalisation efforts to provide customers with a better shipping experience,” Lee said.

“Having worked with colleagues in the Philippines in my previous role, I am excited to join a team of dynamic and committed freight forwarders to tackle the unique opportunities and challenges here.”