TNT appoints Michael Drake to Head Up South East Asia

TNT, a leading provider of global express and logistics services, has appointed Michael Drake as regional general manager for TNT Express in South East Asia. Michael Drake will be responsible for the company's business in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia as well as agent operations in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. These markets contributed nearly one third to TNT's revenue in Asia last year.

Michael Drake's appointment will complement TNT's previously announced strategy to accelerate growth in China, which will be headed by Ken McCall, managing director, China. TNT is to invest over Euro 200 million in China over the next three years.

Michael Drake said: "South East Asia represents a considerable growth opportunity for TNT and with our commitment to the region we are well-positioned to capitalise on it. In line with TNT's increased emphasis on China and the focus on South East Asia, our strategy is to ensure that all our customers have seamless connection for their business dealings around the region."

"In South East Asia, TNT will also retain its focus on life sciences, electronics, regional distribution and aftermarket services. TNT has the expertise to help companies streamline their supply chain processes to achieve greater efficiencies wherever they do business. Asia is experiencing rapid growth and development, and TNT will help our customers keep abreast of these changes and ensure that their needs are met," he added.

Mark Gunton, regional director, TNT International Business Unit said: "Michael Drake was selected from a strong list of applicants most of whom are based in the region. He has held many senior positions across a spectrum of functions including managing director for our Singapore operation where he helped grow the TNT business by an average of more than 20 per cent per annum during his four-year tenure. Michael has on numerous occasions demonstrated his strategic foresight and this will be the key to spearheading TNT's growth in South East Asia."

Prior to his current appointment, Michael Drake was regional director for Global Account Management in Asia. Michael Drake, who is 40 years old, has been with TNT since 1993 and has 20 years of experience in the express distribution and logistics industry spanning Asia, Europe and the USA. He is currently completing an MBA from the State University of New York.

Under Michael Drake's charge will be nine markets with over 1900 employees.