One Hundred Days, Five Questions

On May 1, Elio Curti took over the position of the Managing Director of the world's largest DHL Express location. This is a new experience in a well-known environment, as he has been got to know with the DPDHL Group for a long time. In 1990, he started as a Customs Service Agent at DHL Express Italy. Since 2010, the native Italian has been living in Leipzig with his family. Most recently, Elio worked as Vice President Network Control Group Europe before dedicating himself to the role as Chairman of the Management Board at DHL Hub Leipzig. He now holds this position in Leipzig for 100 business days. 100 days in which he familiarized himself with the location and, above all, the people here. Time for a first résumé.

1. Elio, how did you experience your first days as Chairman of the Management Board?

It was a wonderful experience. All colleagues were friendly and helpful. German is not my native language, but everyone was very understanding of that. I was immediately impressed with the LEJ Hub team and its performance every night and every day.

2. Which experience of the last 100 days has been most memorable to you?

It is important to me to connect with as many colleagues as possible and at the same time get an even better feeling for the night operation. That's why I helped out in the Sort for one night. At the Offload, I unloaded aircraft containers. I also spent a nightshift on the apron, loading and unloading aircrafts with the ramp agents. Working side by side with my colleagues was just great and gave me new insights for which I am very grateful.

3. What did you notice immediately when you started working at the DHL Hub in Leipzig?

The passion of the employees here is simply impressive.

4. What is particularly important to you in your role as Managing Director?

I want to be in constant contact with my colleagues. In an operational business with over 7,000 colleagues, that is of course challenging. Nevertheless it is important to me that the communication works in both directions and across all levels. Only if we talk to each other we can learn from mistakes and celebrate successes together.

5. What topics have the highest priority for you as Managing Director?

The most important issues revolve primarily around our employees and the teamwork, which is characterized by diversity, openness and respect. The safety of all our colleagues will continue to be one of the topics on which we consistently focus on management level. The same applies to the quality of our daily work and the conscious use of our resources. Of course, this also includes our environment. We can improve everywhere if we work together. - Julia Ende