DHL Supply Chain, the world’s leading contract logistics company, has announced the creation of a dedicated CEO position for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region for the first time. Orkun Saruhanoğlu has been appointed as CEO of DHL Supply Chain MEA, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its regional operations and expand its focus across these fast-growing markets.
Saruhanoğlu will report directly to Hendrik Venter, the former CEO of DHL Supply Chain EMEA and the newly appointed Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain. The new structure is designed to reinforce the regional leadership team, enhance the company’s product portfolio, and further build supply chain resilience across the Middle East and Africa.
This leadership appointment reflects DHL Supply Chain’s commitment to supporting multinational corporations as well as SMEs in industries such as technology, automotive, aviation, energy, engineering, manufacturing, e-commerce, and retail. The company provides comprehensive, end-to-end contract logistics solutions, including warehousing, order fulfillment, and after-sales services.
DHL Supply Chain CEO Hendrik Venter commented:
“Orkun Saruhanoğlu brings exceptional expertise in optimizing end-to-end supply chain operations and driving customer development. His extensive knowledge of DHL’s operations and his dedication to our goals are highly valuable. This appointment will have a strong and positive impact on our leadership team. The MEA region is primed for accelerated growth, and Orkun’s leadership will ensure the right level of focus on these markets.”
With a career spanning 27 years at DHL, Saruhanoğlu previously managed the company’s operations in Turkey and Central & Eastern Europe (CEE). As CEE CEO, he significantly expanded the portfolio, particularly in the automotive manufacturing sector. He also played a crucial role in the creation of ASMO, the joint venture between Aramco and DHL in the Middle East, while implementing best practices to strengthen both customer and employee engagement.
DHL Group continues to sharpen its focus on the Middle East and Africa, recognized as one of the world’s most dynamic growth corridors. The company recently announced plans to invest more than €500 million in the Middle East, with strategic attention on rapidly expanding Gulf markets such as Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Africa’s growing market potential, improved infrastructure, increasing foreign direct investment aimed at diversifying global supply chains, and the rapid rise of e-commerce are driving demand for outsourced, integrated logistics services.
This strategic leadership move is expected to bolster the region’s logistics infrastructure and meet the rising demand for specialized logistics solutions.
