Seatrade Maritime: AD Ports builds logistics cluster leadership team

AD Ports Group announced a slew of executive appointments at its Logistics Cluster, the business unit led by Noatum Logistics and responsible for integrated port operations, maritime and logistics services.

The cluster will be led by recently-appointed CEO Jochen Thewes, tasked with advancing AD Port’s position in global logistics services, currently dominated by Noatum Logistics, which it acquired in 2023.

Thorsten Meincke joins Noatum Logistics as the executive vice president – ocean and air freight, bringing over 20 years’ of experience at logistics heavyweights including DB Schenker and Kuehne + Nagel. In his previous role as COO and management board Member at DB Schenker, Meincke oversaw global air and ocean freight operations.

Another DB Schenker alumnus, Björn Eckbauer, who previously served as SVP for global operations & procurement air freight at the German logistics group, joins Noatum as SVP of global air freight development and procurement. Eckbauer’s air freight career spans over three decades.

Boris Kuehn, has been appointed as SVP of mergers and acquisitions. Kuehn was previously head of global corporate venturing and the head of mergers & acquisitions transportation & logistics at DB Schenker’s prior owner Deutsche Bahn.

Noatum’s regional operations will be overseen by three new appointees, one each for the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America Regions.

Thorsten Pook has been appointed managing director – Middle East Region, bringing more than 30 years of experience, including as COO and managing director at CEVA Logistics and Kuehne + Nagel. 

Samad Osman will serve as managing director – Africa Region, with more than 20 years of executive tenure at Hapag-Lloyd, AP Moller Group, Kuehne + Nagel, and OMA Group.

Rounding off the regional leadership trio, Roberto Moreno has been appointed managing director – Latin America region, and brings experiences as CEO for Canada and Latin America at DB Schenker. 

Jochen Thewes, CEO of Logistics Cluster – AD Ports Group, said: “We have built a world-class team that combines global expertise in multimodal freight logistics, mergers and acquisitions, and deep knowledge across all major markets. By bringing in leaders from the top tier of our industry, we’re strengthening our capabilities and positioning ourselves to become a leading global logistics provider.”