Woman power propels Airborne Express into SA courier market

WHEN AN international company holds the status of being the third largest in the world in one of its operational fields, why does its South African section not move more seriously into that particular area?
Airborne Express has been marketing successfully in the sea and airfreight fields in this country, but unlike the international sector, has not been seen as a major player in the express or courier market.
We've been so heavily engaged in the other operations, we haven't given this sector immediate attention, says m.d. Konrad Peter.
We've been asked by clients for the past four years why we haven't gone into it more seriously and we had it marked down for full entry next year.
But along came two forceful young women with a wealth of freight trading knowledge at their fingertips and an eye for a gap in the market.
We saw the opportunity
and we pounced, say Kim Alexander and Tonya Kepple Smith. They approached Airborne Express, put forward their proposal for the opening of a new division - and were given the green light.
Now, as joint divisional managers, they are sending out the message that they have, up and running, a fast freight courier service to match the company's international reputation.
We are giving them full support, says Peter. We are going to canvas the market aggressively with them at the helm of the new division.
Alexander comes into the new operation with 13 years
at DHL, the former years extensively in a sales portfolio. Because of her success she was promoted to branch management, finally running the DHL Isando branch.
Kepple Smith's freight experience exceeds 10 years concentrating mainly on the acquisition of new business. She was promoted into sales management running the national sales team for Fast Lane from Johannesburg for the past two years.
Both share a passion for the industry, combined with personal growth. They have relocated from Durban where they met some years ago as sales executives for Renfreight Aircargo.
It's a small bean we've planted, but anything one does with absolute commitment, passion and vision can only grow, says Alexander. We are two women at the peak of our careers and this is the greatest opportunity and challenge we've faced.
By Leonard Neill