14
December
2007
|
05:45
Europe/Berlin

Xavier Urbain appointed to the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG

With effect from January 15, 2008, Xavier Urbain will be appointed to the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG to take over the responsibility for the business unit Rail & Road Logistics.

"Due to his proven managerial capabilities, we are convinced that Mr. Urbain will drive forward the expansion of our European overland operations and add momentum through new impulses," said Klaus-Michael Kuehne, Executive Chairman of Kuehne + Nagel International AG. "In Germany our overland activities have made good progress through the combination of acquisitions and organic growth. In the scope of our pan-European strategy, Xavier Urbain will - in a next step - concentrate on the extension of the overland network in France, Italy and Spain. Mr. Urbain's knowledge and expertise gained in his former responsibilities will be of great advantage to achieve our ambitious goals."

Xavier Urbain started his career in the logistics industry in 1982. He was member of the Board of the British Hays Group and CEO of the Logistics Division. After the acquisition of Hays Logistics through Platinum Equity, he continued as CEO of the rebranded ACR Logistics Group, encompassing 15,000 employees in 11 European countries. Following the takeover of ACR through Kuehne + Nagel, Xavier Urbain was appointed Regional Manager of South West Europe and ensured at the same time the seamless integration of ACR into the Kuehne + Nagel organisation. In 2007 he managed this own private equity firm in France. As a consultant and member of the Board of Directors of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Xavier Urbain has been permanently associated with the Kuehne + Nagel Group.

"I am looking forward to my new task at Kuehne + Nagel International AG," said Xavier Urbain. "Kuehne + Nagel's integrated service offering meets today's demands of customers. Rail and road transportation, particular in Europe, is a crucial part of the integrated business model. Kuehne + Nagel's objectives in the overland sector are challenging but realistic. Based on the achievements so far and by continuing to consequently implement our strategy, I am confident that midterm Kuehne + Nagel will belong to the leading service providers in the European overland market."