Röhlig Logistics has appointed Alan O’Brien as Managing Director of Röhlig Ireland, effective January 1, 2026, marking a new leadership chapter for the company’s Irish operations at a time of strategic expansion and integration within the global network.
O’Brien brings a strong commercial and operational track record to the role. He joined AirOcean Ireland in December 2018 as Senior Business Development Manager and became a central figure in the company’s growth trajectory. Following Röhlig Logistics’ acquisition of AirOcean Ireland on January 1, 2025, O’Brien played a pivotal role in scaling the business and guiding the successful integration of the Irish operation into Röhlig’s international structure.
In his new position, O’Brien is tasked with building on the robust foundation established in recent years, steering Röhlig Ireland toward becoming an even more scalable, customer-centric, and future-ready organisation. Strategic priorities include sustainable growth, deeper development of the existing customer base, and the expansion of multimodal logistics solutions and new trade lanes. Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening air and sea freight export flows, especially westbound Far East traffic, alongside continued investment in digitalisation.
The company also plans to broaden its digital sales channels and enhance customer service platforms, with a targeted push toward artificial intelligence applications where they can streamline operations and deliver measurable value to customers.
O’Brien succeeds Garrett O’Brien (no relation), a long-standing figure in Irish logistics. Garrett’s association with Röhlig dates back to the 1980s, culminating in the founding of AirOcean Ireland in 1997 as an agency partner. Since the 2025 acquisition, he has served as Managing Director of Röhlig Ireland and is set to retire at the end of April 2026.
“Garrett O’Brien has shaped our Irish business over decades with entrepreneurial vision, personal commitment, and great loyalty, developing it into the strength that characterises it today. We would like to thank him very much for his extraordinary commitment and many years of leadership. His understanding of the market, customers, and employees, as well as his trusting cooperation, were crucial to the successful merger of AirOcean Ireland and Röhlig Logistics,” said Ulrike Baum, Chief Human Resources Officer and Member of the Global Executive Board at Röhlig Logistics. “We wish him all the best for the next stage of his life and look back on his life’s work with great appreciation.”
To ensure continuity, Alan O’Brien will work closely alongside Garrett O’Brien until the end of April 2026, supporting a smooth leadership transition for customers, partners, and employees while maintaining operational stability during the handover period.
