New Karabo chief sets new strategy

Logistics specialist Mark Gunther has been appointed managing director of Karabo Africa. Formerly group managing director of Manica Africa, Gunther took over the reins at Karabo Africa on April 1, bringing a new vision and direction to the company that has specialised in project cargo until now. “Our vision is to broaden the company into a full logistics provider dealing with international freight forwarders as well as regional players moving cargo in and out of Africa,” Gunther told FTW. Originally established several years ago specifically to handle logistics management for project cargoes, Karabo Africa will see some major changes under Gunther’s direction. A trained accountant with more than 25 years’ experience in the freight industry, he believes diversification is the way for the future. “We have developed a major growth strategy that will be implemented over the next 12 months. We are very excited about the prospects and vision that we have,” he said. “We will, however, continue to focus on project cargo as it remains a core of the company. Having identified the potential to grow we believe that we can add value to a large number of clients who are international movers of cargo and need assistance in managing and handling that cargo once it arrives in South Africa.” With such focus on Africa, one of the world’s fastest growing regions, Gunther said while international clients were being targeted, regional freight importers and exporters were just as important for their mandate. “We have the experience and know-how to manage and handle cargo moving in and out of not just South Africa but Africa for our international and regional clients,” he said.