DHL Global Forwarding appoints Tobias Maier as CEO for Middle East and Africa

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight has appointed Tobias Maier as Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa, succeeding Amadou Diallo.

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight has announced the appointment of Tobias Maier as Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, effective December 1 2025. He succeeds Amadou Diallo, who will step down after more than eight years at the helm and over three decades with DHL Group.

Under Maier’s leadership, the company aims to build on its digitalisation strategy and further align with DHL Group’s global Mission 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

A finance and innovation leader

Maier, who joined DHL in 2008, has held several senior positions across the company, most recently as Chief Financial Officer for the MEA region and CEO of Saloodo! Middle East and Africa, the Group’s digital freight platform.

His experience spans finance, mergers and acquisitions, and the integration of digital logistics models.

During his tenure, Maier played a central role in driving DHL’s regional expansion, strengthening its footprint in key growth markets including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Ethiopia, and the UAE.

He also helped establish the RailDirect joint venture with Etihad Rail, one of DHL’s flagship multimodal initiatives in the region.

“Tobias is a forward-thinking leader with a strong track record of delivering results and driving innovation,” said Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Freight.

“His deep understanding of the region and commitment to digital transformation make him the ideal choice to lead our business into its next chapter.”

A legacy of transformation

Maier succeeds Amadou Diallo, whose tenure has been defined by growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Since 2017, Diallo has guided DHL Global Forwarding’s expansion across the Middle East and Africa, driving significant investments in logistics infrastructure and championing green supply chain initiatives.

Beyond business performance, Diallo has been recognised for fostering a culture of engagement and talent development across diverse markets.

A native of Senegal, he has been a passionate advocate for youth empowerment in Africa, supporting projects focused on healthcare and food security through his philanthropic and advisory work.

“We are deeply grateful to Amadou for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to our people, customers, and partners,” added de Bok. “His vision and passion have left an indelible mark on our organisation.”