DHL Express appoints Ken Lee as Asia Pacific CEO

Ken Lee CEO Asia Pacific DHL Express

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, has named Ken Lee as the new CEO of Asia Pacific. He succeeds Jerry Hsu, who is retiring after an illustrious career with DHL Express since 2001. 

As China continues to be an important part of the global economy, it will become a standalone region for DHL Express, with Wu Dongming remaining at the helm as the CEO of China. Both Lee and Wu have joined the DHL Express Global Management Board. 

DHL Express CEO Ken Allen said, “Sustaining and consolidating growth in Asia Pacific is of critical importance to DHL, particularly as the region’s economies continue steadily on their strong upward trajectory. Ken’s track record at driving incredible mature-market business growth, combined with an unparalleled breadth of strategic vision across Asia’s countries and industries, puts him in good stead to maintain and extend DHL Express’ market leadership as the Asia Pacific region enters a more mature stage of economic development. With their keen understanding of people, numbers and the industry, Ken and Dongming are a formidable addition to our global leadership team.”

As former Managing Director of DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, and Executive Vice President of Commercial, Asia Pacific, Lee was responsible for doubling revenue in the two countries between 2009 and 2012. A member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board, Lee was also responsible for driving the development of DHL’s two most strategic hubs in the region – Singapore and Hong Kong – which handle over 20% of the company’s express shipment volume today.

During this time, Lee led DHL to receive multiple awards in enterprise delivery, customer service, branding, and corporate social responsibility. After taking on leadership of DHL’s Commercial function for Asia Pacific in 2012, Lee spearheaded a refreshed and high-yield business strategy that strengthened DHL’s market position.

“Staying at the forefront of logistics amidst increasing market disruption will require DHL Express to apply continuous innovation to its extremely robust brand of customer services and logistical flexibility,” said Ken Lee. “Staying agile and adaptable has never been more important to maintaining pace with Asia Pacific’s ongoing growth, making investment in the capacity, frequency, and reach of our network – not to mention commensurate investments in the skills and well-being of our more than 22,000 employees – more critical than ever before.”

Lee has over 20 years of experience in the logistics industry, including 18 years at DHL. As Operations Manager and subsequently General Manager of DHL’s Singapore Hub, Lee ran a series of business transformations which, amongst other milestones, saw the Hub earn Singapore Quality Class certification in 2001. Lee was appointed General Manager of DHL’s Central Asia Hub (CAH) in Hong Kong in 2005, coordinating seamless operational expansion efforts including the introduction of innovative auto-sorting systems. Lee’s guidance saw the CAH’s expansion completed ahead of schedule, earning DHL the Service and Technology Innovation Award by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in 2009.

 As CEO of Asia Pacific, Lee’s focus will be on driving further operational efficiencies and service innovations, particularly through greater investment in training and technology, to consolidate DHL’s market leadership throughout the region. Based in Hong Kong, he will be responsible for a region that includes Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Oceania, South Asia, South East Asia and Taiwan.