DHL Global Forwarding has appointed Sascha Geiken as chief executive for sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, as the logistics group expands on the continent.
Geiken succeeds Egidio Monteiro and will report to Tobias Maier, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding for the Middle East and Africa, according to a statement from DHL. The company did not give a start date.
Who is DHL’s new sub-Saharan Africa chief?
Geiken was previously vice-president of ocean freight for the Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight arm of DHL Group. He has worked in freight forwarding since 1995 and held managing director roles in the Middle East before joining the company.
“Sub-Saharan Africa is an important growth market for us, but it is also a market where strong local execution really matters,” Maier said.
Geiken said customers needed “reliability across the entire supply chain, from the international leg through customs and inland transport to final delivery”.
Why does it matter?
DHL Group announced in 2025 that it would invest more than EUR300mn in sub-Saharan Africa across its express, forwarding and supply chain businesses, the statement said. Freight groups are competing for growing trade between Africa and Asia, Europe and the Middle East, while customs delays and inland transport remain the main bottlenecks, as projects such as new regional rail links seek to address.
FAQ
Who is the new CEO of DHL Global Forwarding in sub-Saharan Africa?
Sascha Geiken, previously vice-president of ocean freight for the Middle East and Africa, has been appointed to the role.
Who did Sascha Geiken replace?
He succeeds Egidio Monteiro.
How much is DHL investing in sub-Saharan Africa?
DHL Group announced in 2025 an investment of more than EUR300mn across its businesses in the region.
