Guenter From Wings & Wheels To DHL

     Guenter Rohrmann must be doing something right.
     From before the time anyone can remember he has been situated in Connecticut, although major changes swirling all around him might have tossed his options around like a leaf in the wind.
     Today Guenther Rohrmann is one of the good guys in the air cargo industry, no matter which side of the fence you sit on.
     Whether you are an airline, forwarder, integrator or shipper, Guenter Rohrmann while not always agreeing with what you might say, will put the debate “between the lines” and on the shelf while moving on to leave plenty of space for the human condition.
     He is a friend, a neighbor, a realist, a father and husband, and somebody who makes a habit of standing up for others while always keeping his word.
     In air cargo for at least two lifetimes, Guenter somehow ends up in 2006 on the leading edge of one of the most exciting air cargo companies.
     Guenter is not just a title awaiting a hurry up wagon to retirement, but rather he carries a title and job assignment that holds almost unimaginable importance and range of options.
     Guenter Rohrmann is DHL Chief Operating Officer Emerging Markets.
     In a world of opportunities in transportation, GR has picked a plum.
     Initially, Mr. Rohrmann served at Air Express International (AEI) as that company’s CEO.
     AEI once upon a time was called “AEI Wings & Wheels.”
     “Wings & Wheels” qualifies as among the most lyrical, if not descriptive, transportation company names ever.
     Based on a commitment he had made to the Chairman of Deutsche Post when DPWN purchased AEI, Mr. Rohrmann played an important role in the integration process of Danzas/AEI.
     He devoted a major portion of his time visiting AEI agents around the world.
     Mr. Rohrmann’s approach in this matter was both comprehensive and enlightened.
     While the first choice was to convince agents to remain part of the network, every possibility was advanced, including joint ventures and in some instances generous buyout proposals.
     But now when he might ease back from the beautiful suits into a pair of jeans, Mr. Rohrmann moves boldly every day amidst the growing presence of a worldwide giant that has been created out of three entities, Danzas, DHL and Deutsche Post.
     But for the purpose of reality here, top executives in 2006 rarely (if ever) move between situations in this manner.
     So what’s up with this Guenter Rohrmann?
     Mr. Rohrmann has not only navigated the murky waters of change, he also has managed to stay afloat by remaining important to future plans of DHL.
     After a lifetime in air cargo he also seems to be having one hell of a good time.
     “I’ve always said that when it stops being fun than I will quit.
     “Every day I just can’t wait to get our story out to the customer.”
     That sounds like someone who anticipates a tomorrow that gets better every day.
     In 2006, we say what’s wrong with that?
     When you think about it, Guenter Rohrmann is an air cargo executive renewed by a sense of challenge and adventure.
     He is the man who loved air cargo, who might be instrumental in defining total logistics on a global scale for the 21st Century. Likeable and always approachable, Guenter Rohrmann who started on the ramp at FRA, has been a major force building air cargo for more than 46 years.
     Mr. Rohrmann is from Hanover, Germany.
     He started his career in the forwarding and air freight business in 1960 on the ramp at FRA, while attending business school.
     He worked for a short time with Seaboard World Airways, the legendary all-cargo carrier from the USA, as part of that carrier’s famed “foreign legion” sales team based in Europe.
     He opened Air Express International's Frankfurt office and progressed steadily in the AEI organization—Managing Director Germany, Vice President Europe and ultimately CEO, in 1989.
     After AEI was acquired by Deutsche Post in 2000, and joined forces with Danzas, Mr. Rohrmann was nominated Vice Chairman of the Danzas AEI Inc. USA board of directors.
     With all of that, he is also a family man with a beautiful wife, Serena and a six year old son named Grant.
     Talk about the renaissance man!
     But all during his career, whether on the way up, or at the top, it has been his support for the air cargo industry and his willingness to advise and help others that has made him unique.
     IATA’s Cargo 2000, Cargo Network Services (where he served as chairman for the past six years until 2006), TIACA and several other local and worldwide air cargo organizations, have gotten their start, or at one time depended on the steady hand, wisdom and largesse of Guenter Rohrmann.
     It is not unusual to see him at lunch on occasion with the 100 or so front-line cargo managers who attend the JFK Air Cargo Association meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month.
     “I like to know first-hand what is really going on,” he says simply.
     Jerry Trimboli, his friend and former CEO of Interjet Systems said:
     “Guenter Rohrmann has lasted in air cargo because he genuinely gives a damn and cares about what kind of industry we leave to the next generation.
     “There is no greater advocate for this industry than Guenter.
     “Now as COO of Developing Markets he is embarking on another new adventure, still creating, but now in a new form that holds great promise.”
(Geoffrey Arend)