Prof. Dr. Christopher Stoller is a professor of logistics management at DHBW Lörrach, where he specialises in contract logistics and supply chain management. He studied philosophy, politics, literature, and law in Germany and the UK, and earned his PhD from Ruhr University Bochum.
Before entering academia, he qualified as a judge and held leadership roles in logistics at Fiege, SNCF-Geodis, General Overnight, and CEVA Logistics. He has held visiting professorships across Europe and Asia, was awarded an honorary professorship in Beijing in 2017, and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) in 2021. Since 2019, he has led DHBW’s Global Forwarding, Transportation & Logistics Department and currently serves as President of the Aircargo Club Deutschland.
What’s your most memorable moment in the air cargo industry?
Visiting an Antonov 124 at Leipzig Airport – an impressive experience that truly showcased the scale and power of air freight.
What was your dream job as a child?
Diplomat – the idea of traveling the world and experiencing different cultures always fascinated me.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
The impact of Covid-19 on global transport – from air to sea and land freight. The pandemic showed both the vulnerability and adaptability of the industry.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?
A forgotten keychain – small but invaluable to its owner!
What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike?
“Give me a moment!”
Window or aisle seat?
Definitely aisle – for more legroom!
What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Trust your own judgment.
Which three items would you bring to a desert island?
A map, a water bottle, and a knife – the basics for surviving!
Tea or coffee?
I would prefer tea.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”
What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?
Ancient Rome – walking through the Colloseum, the Pantheon and the Forum Romanum feels like stepping back in time, a reminder of how infrastructure and trade shaped civilizations.
If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be?
Selling passenger seats on cargo planes – why not make better use of available space?
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“All Night Long” from Lionel Richie – a classic everyone can sing along to!
Describe your job in three words.
Best job ever.
What’s your hidden talent?
Good question! Maybe I’ll discover it someday.
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?
That would definitely be Scrabble!
What’s something on your bucket list?
Hiking in Scotland – breathtaking landscapes.
What’s the best airport in the world, and why?
Frankfurt International – I see it every day, and it never ceases to impress me.
If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?
A flying squirrel – fast, agile, and efficient!
Can you kindly share a short bio/introduction about yourself?
Enjoying the small and big moments and the feeling of making a positive contribution to the air freight industry are things, that make me happy.
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
By accident – my mother told me to apply to a logistics company. I had no idea what they did, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life!
What quote has most resonated with you?
“Yes, you can!” – three words full of motivation.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Stick to your own. If everyone does what they are meant for, everyone becomes an expert!
