DHL Global Forwarding has named Amadou Diallo as chief executive officer (CEO) for the Middle East and Africa region.

Diallo has 20 years of experience in logistics including five years as CEO of DHL Freight from 2011 to 2016, followed by the role of executive vice president of Value-Added Services and Integrated Logistics at DHL Global Forwarding, where he oversaw a portfolio of services including DHL’s digital platform, ‘Saloodo!’.

In his new role he will focus on expanding and deepening the region’s international trade connections, as well as incorporating innovative technologies into DHL’s services to Middle Eastern and African customers.

DHL Global Forwarding and Freight CEO, Tim Scharwath says: “Not only does he intimately understand the cultural and economic intricacies of the region, but he also brings with him a truly global perspective of logistics innovation and economic co-operation that put him in good stead to help our customers fully capitalise on the region’s growth.”

Diallo believes the Middle East and Africa have huge potential for trade growth, as intra-regional trade in Africa only makes up 18 per cent of the continent’s trade, rising disposable incomes and the Middle East’s shift from reliance on natural resources could create opportunities.

He says: “As the region gains in economic importance – not least due to its strategic value to initiatives like China’s Belt and Road – businesses in the Middle East and Africa need comprehensive freight connections, flexible capacity and durable partnerships more than ever before if they wish to grow alongside these opportunities.”