Deutsche Post AG’s Supervisory Board has finalized a major leadership transition within DHL Group, effective August 16, 2025. In one of the most notable executive reshuffles in recent years for the global logistics giant, Oscar de Bok has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, following the retirement of Tim Scharwath. Simultaneously, Hendrik Venter will step into de Bok’s former role as CEO of DHL Supply Chain, while also becoming a member of the Group’s Management Board. The coordinated appointments reflect the company’s broader strategy of ensuring long-term continuity and reinforcing its executive leadership at a time of rapidly evolving global logistics demands.
Oscar de Bok is no stranger to DHL. Having joined the company in 1999, he has spent more than two decades in senior leadership roles across Europe and Asia. His work has included overseeing operations in markets such as Italy, the Nordics, and throughout Asia Pacific. In 2019, he was named CEO of DHL Supply Chain, where he led a period of steady growth, increased digital integration, and operational efficiency. De Bok’s shift into the forwarding and freight division comes at a pivotal moment, as global supply chains continue to face challenges from geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility, and changing international trade flows. With his deep familiarity with DHL’s organizational culture and proven ability to lead transformation, he is expected to focus on growth opportunities, particularly in integrating technology with freight forwarding operations and strengthening customer-centric services.
Hendrik Venter, who now takes over DHL Supply Chain, brings equally strong credentials to his new position. Venter has worked in leadership roles across DHL for over 15 years, most recently overseeing Supply Chain operations across Mainland Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In that capacity, he managed 25 markets and spearheaded strategies that strengthened operational standardization and supported major international clients. His elevation to CEO of DHL Supply Chain, one of the company’s largest and most complex divisions, represents a natural progression of his career and a signal of confidence from the Supervisory Board. By joining the Group’s Management Board, he will also play a greater role in shaping DHL’s overall direction and in advancing its ambitions of becoming the most customer-focused logistics company worldwide.
The leadership changes also mark the close of Tim Scharwath’s tenure as CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. Scharwath, who retires after years of service, is credited with driving a successful modernization of the freight division’s IT systems, as well as embedding digital transformation into its core operations. Under his leadership, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight improved its efficiency and expanded services for customers navigating increasingly complex international supply chains. Supervisory Board Chair Katrin Suder praised Scharwath for his pivotal role in strengthening the division’s digital backbone, while CEO Tobias Meyer highlighted how the outgoing executive laid the foundation for sustained success.
Meyer also expressed confidence in the new appointments, emphasizing the balance of experience and innovation that both de Bok and Venter bring to their respective roles. According to the Group CEO, their combined leadership will allow DHL to maintain its reputation for reliability while accelerating the execution of its long-term strategy. The company sees these leadership shifts as a catalyst for advancing customer service, increasing shareholder value, and navigating the fast-changing logistics environment with resilience.
Beyond the executive reshuffle, DHL Group has also announced measures to strengthen cooperation between its transport-focused divisions. A new European Transportation Board has been created to bring greater alignment between Global Forwarding, Freight, and Supply Chain operations across the continent. This move reflects a growing emphasis on efficiency and integration within DHL’s sprawling network, ensuring that customers benefit from a seamless experience regardless of whether they rely on air freight, ocean shipping, road logistics, or warehousing solutions.
The significance of this leadership transition extends well beyond internal succession planning. As one of the world’s largest logistics companies, DHL Group plays a critical role in global trade, e-commerce fulfillment, and industrial supply chains. The appointment of de Bok and Venter sends a strong signal to investors, partners, and customers that the company is doubling down on both stability and forward-looking strategy. At a time when logistics providers are under pressure to decarbonize operations, improve service transparency, and adapt to new technologies such as AI-driven supply chain management, DHL is positioning itself to remain a market leader.
Looking ahead, DHL’s leadership overhaul represents not just a passing of the torch but a clear articulation of its priorities for the coming years. De Bok will be tasked with sustaining growth and innovation in the freight forwarding division while leveraging his long experience to navigate volatility in global trade. Venter will be responsible for pushing DHL Supply Chain further into digital integration, sustainability initiatives, and customized logistics solutions for multinational corporations. Together, their leadership is expected to shape how DHL Group evolves during a decade when logistics will continue to underpin economic stability and global commerce.