PostNord appoints former DHL executive Håkan Ericsson as new CEO

PostNord has appointed former DHL Freight Europe chief Håkan Ericsson as its new president andCEO. Ericsson replaces Lars Idermark, who stepped down last December, with PostNord’s deputy chief

Ericsson will take up his new position from 1 October, with Pedersen continue to deputise untilthen. Currently the president of North and Latin American operations at global business travelmanagement company Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), Ericsson started working with CWT in 2008 aspresident of the group’s operations in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and Latin America,moving to become president of North and Latin American operations in 2011.

Ericsson has also worked in various other executive positions with international service andlogistics groups, including DHL Europe’s freight business, which he led as Managing Director. Hewas also CEO at Loomis Cash Handling, Executive Vice President at SAS and worked in seniorpositions at Danzas, ASG and Fraktarna (now part of DSV).

PostNord’s Chairman Jens Moberg commented: “Håkan Ericsson has the right personality, expertiseand background for the role of CEO at PostNord. With his experience of the logistics and servicesectors in Sweden and internationally, he is the right person to lead PostNord into the challengesand opportunities that the group faces. Håkan Ericsson also has valuable experience of leading theprocess of change at major corporate groups.”

Meanwhile, PostNord has signed an agreement to acquire Itella’s printing and inserting businessin Poland via its information logistics unit Strålfors, reinforcing its position in the Polishmarket for communication solutions. Strålfors develops and offers communication solutions forstronger and more personal customer relations.

The Itella business in Poland had volumes of 60 million mailings in 2012, employing 50 staff.From its Warsaw base, the business operates mass mailing services. Per Samuelson, CEO of StrålforsAB, said: “Through this transaction, we are continuing to pursue our strategy of offering a broadspectrum of communication solutions to our customers. We are consolidating our presence in Polandand creating an opportunity to maintain growth in an attractive market.”