Industry Veteran to Drive Growth and Innovation Across Key Markets
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has announced the appointment of Lee I’Ons as its new Regional CEO for IMEA, effective April 1, 2025. In this role, I’Ons will also join the company’s International Executive Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the region’s economic landscape.
I’Ons succeeds Madhav Kurup, who has led the IMEA region since 2008 and was recently promoted to the Global Management Board as Chief Operating Officer for Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics. Under Kurup’s leadership, the region has grown into a key strategic pillar for Hellmann, encompassing 2,000 employees across 14 countries and six vertical joint ventures.
A Leader with Three Decades of Logistics Expertise
A South Africa native, I’Ons has spent 30 years in the logistics industry, holding senior leadership roles across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He began his career at a shipping agency in Durban before moving to Kühne+Nagel, where he dedicated 26 years to shaping logistics operations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and beyond. His roles included National Manager for the GCC and later President of Kühne+Nagel’s Middle East and Africa division.
With his vast industry expertise and strategic vision, I’Ons is well-positioned to accelerate Hellmann’s expansion within the IMEA region. His focus will be on leveraging the company’s strong market presence in high-growth economies such as India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, while tapping into emerging opportunities across Africa.
Strengthening Hellmann’s Market Leadership
Jens Drewes, CEO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, underscored the significance of the IMEA region as a hub of innovation and expansion. He expressed confidence that I’Ons’ leadership would further solidify the company’s stronghold in key industries such as Automotive and Pharma.
Kurup, reflecting on his tenure, expressed pride in the region’s progress and gratitude for working with a highly skilled team. As he transitions to his new global leadership role, he is confident that Hellmann will continue to thrive under I’Ons’ leadership.
With I’Ons at the helm, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is poised to build upon its strong foundation and drive new growth initiatives, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global logistics industry.
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