It was November 2007, and DHL Express was facing an existential crisis. Our performance across all major markets was deteriorating, and without a fundamental overhaul, our losses were posed to threaten the profitability of the entire Deutsche Post DHL Group. Three hundred and fifty company leaders had gathered in Cincinnati to confront this challenge head-on. As the meeting began, a beating heart appeared on an immense screen at the back of the stage. Strong and steady at first, the pounding heartbeats grew further apart, faltered, and then ceased altogether.
The Former CEO of DHL Express on Leading the Company Through an Existential Crisis
And the unusual ways he communicated urgency.
March 28, 2019
Summary.
In 2007 DHL Express was facing an existential crisis. Its performance across all markets was deteriorating, and, without profound changes across the company, the losses would jeopardize its existence. Ken Allen, the former CEO of DHL Express, explains the multiyear turnaround strategy he and his team used to turn a failing delivery company that was focused on the wrong things into a global market leader with a clear strategy for the future.
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New!
HBR Learning
Global Collaboration Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Global Collaboration. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to overcome barriers when working globally.