Oscar de Bok

Oscar de Bok, Chief Executive Officer of DHL Supply Chain, stands out as one of logistics' most experienced leaders. For 20 years, he has been central to DHL’s operations, starting as Marketing Director in Italy and ultimately advancing to guide DHL Supply Chain as a global logistics powerhouse. Raised in a main port city in the Netherlands, he was exposed early to the flow of international goods – an experience that fuelled his lifelong focus on optimising supply chains. 

A lifelong journey 

Having obtained his Master's in Private and Business Law from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Oscar began his professional career in the logistics industry, joining Nedlloyd to take up various roles including sales and project management.

Oscar was poised to make a significant impact in the logistics sector when Deutsche Post DHL Group acquired Nedlloyd in 1999. This acquisition marked the beginning of his long and successful journey with DHL.

Over the next two decades, Oscar's career at DHL Supply Chain flourished as he took on increasingly-senior roles across multiple regions. He rose through the ranks to become Managing Director for several countries and regions, including Italy, the Nordics and South-East Asia, showcasing his adaptability and global expertise.

His impressive track record and deep understanding of the logistics industry caught the attention of DHL's top leadership. In 2019, at the age of 52, Oscar was appointed CEO of DHL Supply Chain and joined the Board of Management of Deutsche Post DHL Group.

Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL Group, was full of praise for Oscar following his appointment, stating: "Oscar successfully led DHL Supply Chain businesses in both Asia-Pacific and Europe, which makes him the right person at the right time to continue the journey of growing our logistics business through operational excellence, accelerated digitalisation, employee engagement and customer-centricity."

Navigating change

Under Oscar’s leadership, DHL Supply Chain has not only weathered industry challenges but also redefined logistics strategy in times of crisis. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, supply chain vulnerability impacting both industries and households became a public focus.

Reflecting on this recent shift, he said: “Earlier we had to explain what the supply chain was; now we have to explain how the supply chain will be doing. It really became the centre of everything.” 

As the world encounters new hurdles, Oscar continues to adjust DHL’s strategy to adapt to geopolitical shifts affecting logistics, with resilience as a primary objective. 

He notes that geopolitical forces disrupting logistics “are only going to intensify, which is why many of the companies we are speaking to are prioritising a supply chain that can sustain geopolitical shocks.” 

He believes in DHL’s capacity to meet these mounting challenges, with a focus on diversifying supply routes and ensuring stability.

Committed to operational excellence

DHL Supply Chain’s extensive reach supports a wide array of partners across 50 countries, anchored by around 1,600 warehouses covering a remarkable 17 million square metres. 

With almost 188,000 employees, DHL has the scale and expertise to cater to varied logistics needs worldwide. 

In addition to its extensive network, DHL’s work with major brands highlights its adaptability. A prominent example is its partnership with Novo Nordisk in Turkey, which ensures diabetes patients have steady access to medication through locally-packaged treatments that meet European quality standards. This partnership reflects DHL’s ability to merge logistical and healthcare expertise, helping to fill essential needs for those reliant on critical medications.

Beyond healthcare, DHL Supply Chain’s work in the automotive sector has also earned recognition, reclaiming Toyota’s coveted ‘Carrier of the Year’ award for the second consecutive year. DHL’s service in Southwestern US supports more than 50 Toyota and Lexus dealerships, emphasising Oscar’s commitment to operational excellence. Since partnering with Toyota in 2020, DHL has remained a reliable logistics partner, ensuring timely deliveries and consistently high service levels.

“One day, you're in the middle of what's happening in the automotive sector,” Oscar highlighted in a previous interview with Bangkok Post. 

“The next day, you're in the middle of what's happening in the healthcare sector and the same for the technology sector and consumer retail. While we stay close to our customers, we also stay close to the changes that are needed tomorrow.”

To read the full story in the magazine click HERE

Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today. 

Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand