CEO Interview with Frank Appel

http://www.dhl-gcs.com/site/2006/issue5/exec_speaks.html

1. What year did you join Deutsche Post World Net and what are your main duties as a member of Deutsche Post AGs Board of Management? I joined Deutsche Post AG in 2000 as Managing Director of the Corporate Development Unit, and have been a member of the Board of Management responsible for Corporate Services since November 2002. A year later, I began to manage the logistics division as well. From 1 January 2006, I also assumed responsibility for the newly created Global Business Services Corporate Division, which oversees group-wide global internal service functions such as procurement, legal services, IT services, real estate, finance operations as well as our Global Customer Solutions unit.

6. What three items in the office are special to you? My telephone - I prefer direct and open communication with everyone as opposed to writing lengthy emails. A photo of my wife and two children important balance to my work. The open door to my secretary and staff they help me organise my daily calendar and work duties, and somehow always manage to find a time slot for any necessary external or internal discussions in my usually fully booked day.

7. What do you do to relax after a long day at work? I like to indulge in sports like swimming, jogging, and playing with my children and spending time with my wife when I am at home or enjoying an interesting book with a good glass of wine.

2. How has your doctorate in neurobiology and background as a chemist helped you in your career so far? My work in neurobiology and chemistry definitely helps me to approach challenges in a clear and structured way. For example, I only arrive at conclusions based on facts and after thorough analysis, and not just based on mere assumptions. My experience as a chemist also inculcated in me a high degree of discipline and tolerance as it is the norm for a chemist to encounter several failures with their experiments before they finally achieve success. The important thing is not to lose faith in your ultimate goal. You just have to review what went wrong and try again.

8. What has been the proudest moment in your career so far? There have been several special moments of which I feel very proud: When I saw my first article published in a science journal When I became a Partner at McKinsey and a Member of the Board of Management at Deutsche Post World Net When I saw people I coached grow and succeed

9 What was your ambition when you were a

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CEO Interview with Frank Appel

http://www.dhl-gcs.com/site/2006/issue5/exec_speaks.html

child? To become a scientist.

10. If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be? This acquisition is part of our growth strategy and not aimed at consolidation. Together, Exel and Deutsche Post World Net will be able to provide even more value for customers by leveraging our respective strengths to offer top-notch global logistics solutions. The acquisition of Exel is a natural fit for our business and strengthens our logistics solutions capabilities. Both businesses complement each other in terms of product offerings, geographical coverage as well as industry-specific know-how. The integration of both businesses has enabled us to achieve the number one position in contract logistics, air freight and ocean freight. We strongly believe that this market leadership position will yield significant benefits for our customers, our shareholders and our employees. It is our goal to be the first choice for our customers. We want to offer them a wide spectrum of logistics solutions encompassing all modes of transport ranging from express to air and ocean freight. We want to be their number one preferred strategic partner. First, my wife. Second, revolutionary personalities in science like James Watson and Francis Crick, who cracked the DNA code in 1959.

11. What is the single most important quality a good leader should possess? In my opinion, a good leader should be able to attract and develop excellent management talent or the right people for the job. He or she should encourage an open and constructive team. Most importantly, he should possess a leadership approach based on clear and measurable targets.

4. What do you think is the biggest hurdle for Deutsche Post World Net in the coming years? The biggest challenge we are going to face in the future is the industrialisation of our business. We are very well aware that in order to establish ourselves as the number one logistics solution provider in the world, we have to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. To achieve this we have to standardise our business processes even further to offer our customers superior quality in operations and services.

Being a good leader is a never-ending daily challenge. You have to be firmly rooted in yourself, live up to your principles, and motivate and constantly challenge people towards further development. You have to remain flexible and excited about changes and sometimes dare to think the unthinkable while leading your people to new horizons that have not been planned for. They will, however, only follow you with passionate commitment if you manage to create an atmosphere of openness, constructive feedback, excitement and trust.

13. Who is your inspirational business leader and why? To be honest, I have never followed any clear role model or business leader. I believe you have to find your own way, constantly building on your own personal strengths and trying to balance your weaknesses. In so doing you will not only be able to excel in what you do, but also inspire and motivate those around you.

In general, I am a rather positive person with my family as my main pillar of support especially during stressful periods. Nevertheless, some of my typical concerns are the well-being of my family and whether I have done my best to make the organisation successful.

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CEO Interview with Frank Appel

http://www.dhl-gcs.com/site/2006/issue5/exec_speaks.html

Have a question on logistics? Get them answered here!

Frank Appel of Deutsche Post World Net will answer anything you need to know about Deutsche Post World Net and topic of leadership. Quick - send in your questions and stand a chance to win a Standard Chartered Book on importing and exporting in China. This recently published book is a handy guide for people in the logistics industry, so send in your questions as fast as you can! Your email Question

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