Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has announced the appointment of Lee I’Ons as its new Regional CEO for the IMEA (India, Middle East, and Africa) region, effective April 1, 2025. I’Ons also joins the company’s International Executive Board, bringing with him three decades of industry expertise and a deep-rooted familiarity with the region’s complex logistics landscape.
I’Ons succeeds Madhav Kurup, who led the region since 2008 and has now been elevated to the Global Management Board as Chief Operating Officer for Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics. Under Kurup’s tenure, the IMEA cluster emerged as a critical growth engine for the company, boasting a network of 2,000 employees across 14 countries and six vertical joint ventures.
With an extensive career beginning at a shipping agency in Durban and nearly three decades at Kühne+Nagel—including recent roles as National Manager GCC and President for the Middle East and Africa—I’Ons brings proven leadership and operational depth to one of Hellmann’s most strategically vital regions.
In his new role, I’Ons will be tasked with scaling growth and accelerating market development across IMEA. His focus will include consolidating Hellmann’s position in key verticals such as Automotive and Pharmaceuticals, while capitalizing on rising demand for integrated logistics solutions across emerging and mature markets alike.
Jens Drewes, CEO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, welcomed the appointment:
“Lee’s leadership comes at a pivotal time. IMEA has been a dynamic driver of growth and innovation for Hellmann, and Lee’s experience, both in the region and globally, positions him to build on the strong foundation established by Madhav and his team.”
Reflecting on his new role, I’Ons noted:
“I am honored to lead the IMEA region for Hellmann. This is a market of immense potential, and I look forward to working with our teams and customers to further strengthen our footprint and deliver tailored, high-performance solutions across the region.”
Outgoing CEO Madhav Kurup added:
“Leading the IMEA region has been an extraordinary journey. I’m proud of what we’ve built and am confident that Lee will take Hellmann’s regional presence to even greater heights. I look forward to supporting this next chapter from my new global role.”
The appointment underscores Hellmann’s continued focus on emerging markets and its commitment to executive leadership that combines regional insight with global vision.
