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~ Spring GDS ~

EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS:

THIJS BOEL ON SPRING GDS, LOGISTICS

CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE STRATEGIES

Text: Samantha Rodriguez // Photos: Spring GDS

Enter the realm of Spring GDS - Europe, a cornerstone of innovation and adaptability
within the logistics landscape. Spring GDS embodies a legacy of resilience and excellence
within the PostNL Group. From its inception in 2001 to its current stature as a global

player, Spring GDS has redefined the paradigm of logistics solutions. With a commitment
to clear communication, cultural adaptability, and sustainability, Spring GDS convinces
with visionary approach in the industry. As the world of logistics continues to evolve,
Spring GDS stands poised to navigate the complexities of a global marketplace, driven by
innovation and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. Join us on a journey through
Spring GDS’s transformative vision as we speak with Thijs Boel, Managing Director of
Spring GDS - Europe, for the future of logistics.

ould you share a little bit of your importance of clear communication is always at the back of
background? my mind.
C“Of course. I always say that I’m a bit of a “child of
the company;” because I have spent my entire professional Whatever your role is, if you’re managing people and there’s
life in the PostNL Group. I started right after I graduated a tough message to convey, you must be very clear and sharp.
in International Economics. I did an internship, back when Don’t talk around it because it only makes the message fuzzy.”
PostNL was still part of TNT. And from that internship 20
years ago, here I am now, as Managing Director of Spring “And a second lesson, and this one is specifically for the
GDS – Europe,” says Thijs. international environment. I’m Dutch, and we are not very
hierarchical. We like to talk to everyone, and everyone’s
“I have been able to see so many parts of PostNL: from opinion counts. I remember that I was in a session abroad,
domestic mail deliveries to big strategic overarching projects, on a strategic topic, and I thought that we all were just
working for one of our companies in Italy, M&A, to the brainstorming, but I then realized that everyone was taking
evolution of its business model. There is a wide range of notes of my ideas as if they were direct instructions! This
options within the company, and its employees are really the made me become much more aware of how I have to adapt
center point: one can be given responsibilities, and if you my behavior to the setting and the country’s professional
prove yourself then more challenges and opportunities arise.” habits. When working in an international company, you must
be adaptive to be successful.”
We are sure that you were able to learn many lessons
along the way. Is there any specific one that had a real Beyond its global presence, what sets Spring GDS
impact on you? apart from other players in the market?
“I have many, but there is one from my very first role as Thijs continues: “Well, I think it’s our adaptability. We make
manager. I had just graduated from university and my first our solutions only based on what the market and customers
job was as operations manager of 25 postal workers in a demand. We have a very asset-light model, we can simply
depot. My communication was too theoretical, I kept using make quick switches, different partners, different linehauls,
complicated and technical words when giving them feedback. different solutions. So, by default, we are an agile player that
After some time, one of them asked me not to use “all continuously changes based on market demands.”
these kinds of difficult words when you have to give me any
feedback or improvement advice”. I will never forget this; the

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