Marco Klaassen joins Axell Group as Managing Director

With more than 35 years of experience in logistics, Marco strengthens Axell as the family-owned company continues to grow and professionalise.

As of September 7, Marco Klaassen will join Axell Group as its new Managing Director. With more than 35 years of experience in logistics, he brings extensive operational, commercial and executive expertise. His appointment aligns with Axell’s ambition to continue growing and professionalising while preserving the short lines of communication, close involvement in day-to-day operations and personal customer relationships that characterise the family-owned company.

“With Marco’s appointment, we are bringing on board a highly experienced leader with a proven track record in international logistics. What ultimately convinced us was how closely his approach aligns with the core values of our family business. He combines strategic insight with a pragmatic approach to day-to-day operations. We have every confidence that Marco will help us achieve our ambitious goals, while keeping the quality of our services and strategic partnerships with our customers at the heart of what we do.”

— Mathieu Timmermans, Member of the Supervisory Board, Axell Group

Extensive logistics experience, starting in operations

Marco began his logistics career in 1988 in transport operations. Starting in transport planning, he progressed through roles in quality, operations, sales and product development before moving into international management and executive positions. He worked for companies including Walsh Western, MSAS/Exel, DHL Global Forwarding and Aramex. From 2012 until the end of 2024, he served as Managing Director of Aramex Netherlands, where his focus included growth, professionalisation and the development of fulfilment and e-commerce activities. Since December 2024, he has worked as an independent advisor and interim director.

Marco therefore brings experience spanning almost the entire logistics chain, as well as extensive expertise in developing logistics organisations. This background fits well with the phase Axell is currently in. Across seven locations in the Netherlands and Poland, with approximately 170,000 m² of warehouse capacity, Axell provides services including warehousing, contract logistics, transport and distribution. The ambition is to further strengthen this position while preserving the character and personal involvement of a family-owned company.

Focus on reliable service and sustainable growth

Marco will use his first period at Axell to get to know the organisation, its day-to-day operations and the people behind the business. He is therefore deliberately not starting with a predetermined plan for change. There are, however, several themes that will play an important role in his work.

These include further strengthening cooperation between sales, customer service, transport, logistics and supporting departments. Marco also wants to build on Axell’s reliable service and work with the organisation to explore how it can support customers even better. In addition, he aims to develop opportunities that build on Axell’s strengths and contribute to healthy, sustainable growth. Technology and insight will also play an important role in this development.

This combination of people, processes and technology will help Axell maintain control over the quality of its services as the organisation continues to grow.

Building on what makes Axell strong

The character of Axell played an important role in Marco’s decision to join the organisation.

“Axell is a great family-owned company with committed people and a wealth of logistics expertise. What appeals to me is that there is plenty of opportunity to keep building without losing what makes the organisation strong and distinctive. I first want to listen carefully to employees and customers and understand what is happening in day-to-day operations. From there, we will move forward together: with short lines of communication, clear agreements and a strong focus on reliable operations, strong customer relationships and healthy growth.”

— Marco Klaassen, Managing Director, Axell Group

For customers and partners, Marco’s appointment means that Axell continues to invest in the development of its organisation and services, while maintaining its personal approach to collaboration as a key principle.

Marco officially starts as Managing Director of Axell Group on September 7.