Dubai based Regional CEO Madhav Kurup appointed as Global COO and Member of the Management Board for Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
Madhav Kurup, currently Regional CEO of IMEA based in Dubai, was recently appointed to the Management Board of Hellmann as Chief Operating Offer (COO) Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics. In this role he will be responsible for the global strategic development of these products and further expand present and future product and vertical joint ventures. This is the first time in the company’s 150 years history that a non-German member has joined the Global Management Board, and the first time a Hellmann Board member will be based outside Germany reflecting the company’s commitment to global expansion and diversification.
“Our strong performance in recent years demonstrates that Hellmann is built on a solid foundation. Now it is time to fully unlock this potential and further expand the company’s global footprint across all product areas – not only in its home market of Europe but globally.” says Dr. Thomas C. Lieb, Chairman of Hellmann Supervisory Board.
Madhav Kurup has exceptional product and strategic expertise, with a strong track record in driving growth projects. Madhav has transformed Hellmann from the traditional freight forwarding organization to a fully integrated service provider by achieving market leadership in automotive, healthcare, and expanding into e-commerce. The company has grown from 100 employees in 2008 to more than 2000 employees with 20 operating entities in 14 countries within the IMEA region.
Madhav Kurup has been with Hellmann for 16 years as Regional CEO initially for the Middle East, and then expanding geography to Indian Sub-Continent and later to the African continent. He has been a member of the International Executive Board since 2018.
Born and raised in Kerala, the southern state of India, Madhav Kurup studied in local schools to then complete a master’s degree in finance. His previous business experience includes Maersk Line agency, Schlumberger IPM, and RHS Group prior to joining Hellmann in 2008.
Commenting on his recent appointment Madhav Kurup said: “Hellmann’s growth is driven by strategic investments in people, infrastructure, and systems with a great culture. I look forward to continuing our commitment to creating value for our customers and being a part of the exciting journey ahead for Hellmann.”