New management team takes over the reins at KWE

KINTETSU WORLD Express has restructured its management team in an aggressive drive to grow the company under recentlyappointed MD Arend du Preez. “We’ve positioned ourselves as a ‘boutique’ 4PL logistics provider and have put in place a young and dynamic new team to take the company forward,” Du Preez told FTW. An attorney by profession, and previously SAA’s executive manager legal services, Du Preez believes that the skills shortage is one of the greatest challenges facing the local industry. “We’re selling a service – and you need people who are not only able to communicate well with clients but give them solutions, and to do that you need the skills.” The new 6-person general management team includes Herman Müller (supply chain and projects), Marius Smit (operations), Warren Charles (corporate affairs), Mariza Jennings (finance) and Wayne Nel (sales). Eigo Machiba will look after the Japanese clients. “You cannot grow unless you empower your managers,” says Du Preez, “and that’s the thinking behind the new management structure. “KWE has over the years focused on a number of niche markets – and that’s where we see the growth,” he added. “For example, we do all SAA’s forecasting, using sophisticated software to predict its requirements all over the world and then position products accordingly. If they need 200 cold drinks in London, we will make sure that they’re available in London in time for that specific flight. We are now doing this for other clients and are able to do so because we are flexible enough and have the necessary skilled people on board.” Apart from aerospace, KWE is heavily involved in projects locally and into Africa, while the automotive industry, construction and technology are also strong areas of focus. “In the current economic climate we believe that growing these niche markets is the way forward – and we believe we have the skills and the know-how to make it happen.”