Ken Allen (businessman)

Ken Allen (born 1955) is a British businessman and author. He was the Global Chief Executive Officer of DHL Express, part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group from 2009 to 2018. In January 2019, Allen became CEO of DHL eCommerce Solutions and Board Member for Customer Solutions & Innovation at Deutsche Post DHL Group
Allen is credited with leading DHL's turnaround in 2010, by implementing DHL’s FOCUS strategy and establishing the employee engagement Certified International Specialist program. In July 2019 Allen authored his first business and management book Radical Simplicity.
Early years
Ken Allen was born in 1955 in Horbury, West Yorkshire. He studied accountancy at Leeds University and qualified as a Certified Accountant in 1981. Allen is a Fellow of the British
Books
Allen is the author of the management and business philosophy book Radical Simplicity framework to address and overcome complex business challenges.
Business career
* Ken Allen began his career working in the accounting department of the Slazenger factory in his home town of Horbury, Yorkshire.
* He joined DHL in 1985 working in the Middle East where, in 1991, he became Regional Manager.
* In 1998 he was made Chief Financial Officer for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. During this time Deutsche Post acquired the DHL operation.
* In 2004, Allen was asked by Deutsche Post DHL CEO Frank Appel, to become president of DHL Express Canada overseeing the company’s integration activities in the country. In 2006, Allen then moved to Brussels to become CEO of the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region consisting of 88 countries.
* In 2008, Allen was appointed CEO of DHL Express USA in order to address major issues in the country’s domestic operations. Following the acquisition of Airborne Express, the DHL business was losing more than $100 million a month, and threatening the future of the DPDHL group. During the period of global financial recession in 2008, Allen instigated the closure of DPDHL’s domestic operations in the country, instead focusing on international global express shipping services. This business decision making process typifies Allen's 'radical simplicity' approach.
* In 2009, Allen was appointed to the role of Global CEO for DHL Express and a member of the Board of Deutsche Post, where his focus was on growing market share in the International Time Definite Express shipping business achieving industry-leading margins of over 12%.
* In 2010, Allen launched the Certified International Specialist programme for DHL staff in 220 countries and territories. This internal career development programme has contributed towards DHL's rankings.
* In 2018 DHL was named 6th Best Places to Work in the world by Fortune magazine and the Best Place to Work organization.
* In October 2019 DHL Express was named number 4 on the World’s Best Workplaces
* In January 2019, Allen became CEO of DHL eCommerce Solutions and Board Member for Customer Solutions & Innovation at Deutsche Post DHL Group<ref name":1" /><ref name":2" />

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