Your monthly insight into the people, places, and patterns moving global trade.
Welcome back to Dispatch 2 of #OnTheMove (5-min read). We are Metafora Search, specialists in Logistics & Supply Chain executive-search recruitment. Each month, we’ll highlight the latest industry news and trends and share our take on what these developments mean for both clients and candidates. Whether it’s strategic advice on hiring or guidance on making your next move, we’ll link industry insight with practical perspective.
In this issue:
- The Americas: Resilience, recalibration, and a rising demand for commercial leaders.
- India’s Emergence: Logistics, innovation, and new infrastructure at scale.
- M&A Spotlight: Big deals and bold moves as global players reshape logistics.
- Leadership Changes: Executive moves spark hiring shifts and fresh strategic direction.
- #OnTheMoveJobs: Our latest vacancies.
The Americas
Regional Resilience: How Tariffs Are Driving Intra-Americas Trade
The latest round of US tariffs introduced in July and August is having a measurable impact – not just at ports and customs desks, but across broader supply chain strategies. With new duties as high as 35% on goods from key trading partners, many businesses are being pushed to rethink the geography of their operations.
One of the most significant shifts we’re seeing is a pivot toward domestic and regional supply partners. US-based companies are increasingly choosing to work with other US businesses, not as a political statement, but as a practical move to reduce exposure to international duties, unpredictable freight delays, and cross-border compliance issues. In many cases, the cost savings from avoiding tariffs now rival or exceed the traditional advantages of offshore production.
This recalibration isn’t limited to domestic trade. Across the Americas, businesses are leaning more heavily on regional allies. There’s growing momentum behind nearshoring strategies – particularly in Mexico, Canada, and select South American markets – as organisations seek faster turnaround times, more stable trade terms, and improved cost control.
What’s emerging is a more resilient, agile model: shorter supply chains, tighter collaboration within the region, and a renewed focus on logistics partnerships that reduce complexity and risk. For many, the tariffs have accelerated a broader trend that was already underway – one that values self-reliance, speed, and strategic proximity over sheer cost alone.
Warehousing: Vacancies, Consolidation & the Talent Shift
Cushman & Wakefield recently reported a 7.1% industrial vacancy rate in the US – the highest in over a decade. But this isn’t a uniquely American story. Similar trends are emerging across the Americas and beyond, as global warehousing markets come off the post-pandemic highs of rapid expansion and speculative buildouts.
What we’re seeing now is a clear recalibration. Companies are pausing, consolidating, and reassessing their real estate footprints. Subleasing activity is rising. Leasing decisions are slower, more cautious, and driven by operational need rather than growth forecasts alone.
This shift is also changing the profile of talent businesses are looking for. It’s no longer just about scale at speed – it’s about commercial acumen, regional awareness, and adaptability. The strongest warehousing leaders today are pivoting into roles that touch on network optimisation, automation, sustainability, and strategic planning. They’re not standing still, they’re evolving, positioning themselves at the heart of a more resilient and cost-conscious supply chain model.
Commercial Talent: The Race for Sales Leadership
Right now, there’s a noticeable surge in demand for experienced Sales Directors across US logistics businesses. A quick scan of LinkedIn job listings shows hundreds of vacancies, and our conversations with senior leaders confirm the trend: companies are prioritising commercial firepower.
The preference is clear. Businesses are willing to pay a premium for proven performers – those with a book of business who can hit the ground running. From a financial perspective, it makes more sense to onboard one senior individual who can start generating revenue immediately, rather than invest time and resources into ramping up several junior hires.
The pace of the industry has changed. Deal cycles are shorter. Movement is faster. And organisations no longer have the luxury of slow onboarding. They want results – and they want them now. Sales leadership today isn’t just about relationships; it’s about speed, strategy, and impact.
If you’re a sales leader in the logistics or supply chain space, it’s a great time to explore new opportunities. I’m working with several standout businesses actively hiring – and the market is very much in motion.
India’s Emergence
India’s logistics and freight forwarding market is experiencing rapid and unprecedented growth, driven by a surge in manufacturing activity, large-scale infrastructure development, and an explosion in e-commerce demand. Strategic government programs – such as Make in India and the rollout of dedicated freight corridors – are reinforcing this momentum by streamlining the movement of goods and enhancing national connectivity.
Air freight is also gaining serious traction. Airports are expanding cargo capabilities, while airlines are introducing more dedicated freighter routes, signalling the country’s growing prominence as a regional logistics hub. However, navigating India’s regulatory landscape and fragmented operational environment remains complex. As a result, partnerships and collaborative networks are proving invaluable for freight forwarders looking to scale efficiently and compete effectively.
Trends Shaping the Market
- Workforce Skilling & Inclusion – Initiatives like the National Centres of Excellence are helping to upskill and diversify the logistics talent pool.
- Digital Twin Technology – Simulation tools are being used to model warehouse operations, driving efficiency and better planning in real time.
- Sustainability in Action – Businesses are adopting greener practices, including electric delivery fleets and renewable energy at logistics facilities.
- Rise of Quick Commerce – The demand for faster urban fulfilment is accelerating investment in automation, AI, and highly localised warehousing.
- Cold Chain Infrastructure Growth – With demand rising from pharma, food retail, and QSR sectors, temperature-controlled logistics is scaling rapidly.
- Tech-Enabled Supply Chains – IoT, blockchain, and robotics are being integrated to boost visibility, reduce errors, and improve shipment reliability.
Who’s Moving the Market?
- DP World, Deendayal Port Authority & Nevomo have signed an MoU to explore the use of MagRail technology in India – a self-propelled, electric rail solution designed to modernise cargo movement inside port ecosystems. The pilot intends to boost logistics efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
- Unifeeder have recently launched the India Med Service (IMD) – a new 42-day loop connecting Indian ports with Northern Egypt and Turkey, enhancing India’s trade ties with the Mediterranean.
- Greta Shipping & Hapag-Lloyd AG have announced plans to launch joint feeder services between the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent in mid-August, strengthening regional trade links and offering more flexible routing options for shippers.
M&A Spotlight
The logistics and supply chain space continues to see intense merger and acquisition activity, with several headline-grabbing deals announced in recent weeks. From rail giants consolidating in North America to global logistics players expanding into healthcare, pharma, and intermodal tech, the landscape is shifting quickly – and the stakes are high. Here are some of the most notable developments:
- Union Pacific Railroad to Acquire Norfolk Southern – In a major rail industry move, Union Pacific has agreed to acquire Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal, marking one of the largest transportation mergers in recent memory. The deal is set to reshape freight rail operations across the US, pending approval.
- JAS Worldwide to Acquire Pentagon Freight Services – JAS has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire UK-based Pentagon Freight Services – a specialist in project logistics, freight forwarding, and ship agency. The acquisition signals JAS’s ambition to deepen its expertise in complex, high-value logistics sectors.
- The Bidding War for Hutchinson Port Holdings – HPH reporting declining margins in Q2, global players are circling. Cosco and CMA CGM are now front-runners to acquire the port operator, following the end of MSC–BlackRock’s 145-day exclusivity window. This one is still in play, and the outcome could shift port power dynamics worldwide.
- Manitoulin Group Acquires Martin Roy Transport – Canadian firm Manitoulin continues its strategic expansion with the acquisition of Quebec-based Martin Roy Transport, strengthening service coverage in Northwestern Quebec and Ontario.
- Rail-Flow Finalises Simply Deliver Takeover – After years of collaboration in the intermodal space, Rail-Flow has formally acquired Simply Deliver. The integration of their complementary platforms will enhance full-mile logistics visibility and operational control.
Earlier This Month:
- LIFTAL Joins KIS – Boosting capability in lifting and hoisting technologies through strategic consolidation.
- Yusen Logistics Eyes Up Walden Group – Yusen is in exclusive talks to acquire the Walden Group (formerly EHDH), including brands like Movianto, Eurotranspharma, Transpharma International and Walden Digital. The move would mark Yusen’s entrance into pharma logistics and signal a broader global reach for Walden’s network.
What This Means for Talent in Logistics & Supply Chain
As M&A activity ramps up, hiring patterns are shifting just as quickly. Acquisitions often lead to internal restructures, role realignment, and sometimes redundancies – but they also create fresh demand for leadership talent, integration specialists, and commercially minded operators who can help businesses scale, consolidate, or pivot into new verticals.
We’re seeing increased demand for candidates with change management experience, the ability to operate across merged systems and cultures, and those who can help extract value from new partnerships. Whether it’s sales, operations, compliance, or strategic roles, hiring is no longer just about filling gaps – it’s about finding people who can drive post-deal impact.
Equally, for candidates, now is a prime time to reassess where you fit in the evolving landscape. If your employer is in the midst of change, or you’re considering a move – this is the time to think strategically about your next step.
Leadership Moves
It’s been a busy month for executive appointments across logistics and supply chain, with major players reshuffling leadership to align with growth ambitions, global expansion, and evolving market conditions. These changes reflect a broader trend we’re seeing in the sector: companies are doubling down on experience, international reach, and digital-first thinking at the top.
Here’s a snapshot of the latest leadership moves:
- LX Pantos appoints David Bang as CEO – A veteran with nearly three decades of global logistics experience, David Bang steps into the top role, overseeing 2,000 team members across North and South America. His expertise spans forwarding, supply chain digitisation, and vertical market strategy.
- DHL Group reshuffles top roles – Oscar de Bok will become CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, taking over from Tim Scharwath, who is retiring. De Bok brings deep experience from his current role as CEO of DHL Supply Chain. Separately, Markus Voss will succeed Uwe Brinks as CEO of DHL Freight from September 1, 2025.
- Geodis names Laura Ritchley as CEO Americas – With a strong e-commerce background and oversight of more than 20,000 employees across eight countries, Ritchley is tasked with scaling Geodis’s Americas operations.
- ArcBest leadership transition – Longstanding CEO Judy R. McReynolds has announced her retirement, with Seth Runser named as her successor.
- CJ Logistics recruits Jonathan Song – Poached from Expeditors, Song joins as Head of Global Business to accelerate CJ’s international growth strategy.
- B&H Worldwide appoints Matthew Warrington as CCO – The aerospace logistics specialist brings on Warrington – formerly of Toll Global Forwarding – with 30+ years of commercial and leadership experience.
- HHLA names Jeroen Eijsink as CEO – Eijsink, with 25 years in global logistics and transport, will take over as CEO from October 1, 2025.
- WiseTech Global brings back Zubin Appoo as CEO – Zubin Appoo returns to lead the company permanently, succeeding Interim CEO Andrew Cartledge, who is set to retire at the end of 2025.
What It Means for Hiring
With this volume of executive movement, ripple effects across senior and mid-level hiring are almost guaranteed. Leadership transitions often trigger strategic reviews, new business priorities, and restructures – creating fresh demand for trusted operators, commercial leaders, and digital-savvy specialists who can help turn vision into execution.
For recruiters, this is a crucial moment to stay close to clients and candidates alike. Leadership change doesn’t just affect the boardroom – it can reset entire hiring agendas.
#OnTheMoveJobs
We’re currently supporting several top-tier logistics and supply chain businesses with key leadership hires. Open roles include:
- Sales Director, Road Freight – USA
- Sales Manager, Freight Forwarding – Hong Kong
- Senior Sales Manager, Freight Forwarding – Taiwan
- General Manager, Healthcare Sales – India
- Director of Operations, Shipping & Maritime – USA
We’re proud to support clients globally as they scale, hire, and localise. If you’re looking to build leadership capability in-market or are exploring your next move in logistics and supply chain, let’s connect 📞
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