Eduard Molkenboer
Source: Royal Schiphol Group
Royal Schiphol Group has announced the appointment of Eduard Molkenboer as its new Head of Cargo, effective August 5. The move marks a key step in the airport operator’s renewed strategy to bolster its airfreight operations amid ongoing industry challenges.
Molkenboer brings over three decades of supply chain experience, including 25 years in executive leadership roles across corporate and private equity settings. His previous tenures at companies such as textile services firm CleanLease and logistics giant DHL Supply Chain underline his credentials in transformation leadership, operational efficiency, and customer-focused innovation.
“He has a proven track record in leading complex transformations and achieving sustainable growth,” said Royal Schiphol Group in a statement. “His past roles reflect strong expertise in logistics, customer service, and forward-thinking solutions.”
Molkenboer spent over 12 years at the DHL Group, largely within the supply chain division, culminating in his role as Head of Strategic Products for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. While he has not held a cargo-specific position since departing DHL in 2013, Schiphol emphasized his broad leadership experience as pivotal to its cargo ambitions.
The appointment comes as part of Royal Schiphol Group’s wider effort to implement a revitalized cargo strategy developed in collaboration with the local cargo community. The plan focuses on optimizing supply chains, improving load factors, and enhancing cooperation with key partners including Cargonaut and Maastricht Aachen Airport.
“We warmly welcome Eduard and look forward to working together to further strengthen Schiphol’s future-proof cargo position,” the company stated.
Molkenboer succeeds Joost van Doesburg, who departed the role late last year. His exit followed public criticism of the airport’s cargo policies that, according to Schiphol, became increasingly personal in nature.As one of Europe’s most slot-constrained hubs, Schiphol continues to grapple with the delicate balance between accommodating passenger traffic and protecting dedicated freighter operations. Local cargo stakeholders have consistently called for stronger measures to safeguard airfreight capacity amid growing slot allocation pressures.