Switzerland-based Kuehne + Nagel (K+N) will revamp its global regional structure from July 1, 2013 as “a first measure of a comprehensive program” to increase savings, facilitate decision-making, and hasten response to market changes.
In Europe, the logistics company will merge its current regional offices “Central Europe,” “North West Europe,” and “Southwest Europe” into one single region, “West Europe,” with Hamburg as regional headquarters.
The region “East Europe” with head office in Vienna remains unchanged, the company said in a written statement.
With the growing trade between Africa and the Middle East, the regional units “Middle East/Central Asia” and “Africa” will be consolidated into the “Middle East/Africa” region with headquarters in Dubai.
Meanwhile, two regional teams will be established in Asia-Pacific “to maximize business opportunities” in the region. The national companies in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau will belong to the region “North Asia” with headquarters in Shanghai from July 1.
The region “South Asia” will consist of South Asian countries, South Korea, and Japan and will be headquartered in Singapore.
The structures in the regions North America and South America will remain unchanged.
“Our new regional structure shortens decision-making processes on the one hand and allows on the other to respond more quickly to new market conditions and opportunities,” said Reinhard Lange, group CEO.
“Furthermore, the lean management approach supports a more efficient use of our resources and cost optimization,” added chairman Karl Gernandt. The Human Resources and Finance functions will also be streamlined, he said.
Photo from K+N
