The world’s leading logistics provider has headhunted the man who played a large role in launching Google’s first Android devices in Asia Pacific as DHL’s new Head of Innovation at its first dedicated centre for innovative logistics services in the Asia Pacific region.
Justin Baird has been appointed as the Head of its Asia Pacific Innovation Center (APIC) in Singapore, one of three DHL innovation centres across the globe.
Formally headed by Pang Mei Yee, who recently took on the role of Head of DHL Consulting in Asia, APIC is a test bed for emerging logistics-related technologies and a showcase of the latest innovations to reinvent supply chains.
With over two decades of experience in management and emerging technology, Justin’s expertise ranges from research and development to interactive multimedia installation technologies.
Justin previously held management roles in Imagination Australia, Mosaic and Accenture, and spent five years as an innovationist at Google where he played an instrumental role in launching the first Android devices in Asia Pacific.
“DHL has done tremendous work in the next evolution of logistics with innovative tools like the DHL Resilience360, a business continuity management tool that leverages AI, and robotics to simplify operations,” Justin said.
“I am deeply passionate about forming a community of like-minded technologists in the sector and look forward to building upon APIC’s capabilities to develop disruptive innovations that will shape the future of logistics.”
Matthias Heutger, Global Head of Innovation and Commercial Development at DHL said the company’s innovation centres around the world aim to provide a platform to convert ideas into customer-centric solutions that can realise that potential.
“I am convinced that Justin’s experience will be invaluable in fostering collaboration and innovation among our customers and partners in Asia,” he said.
Established in 2015, APIC in Singapore is DHL’s only innovation center in the region.
The logistics provider has two other innovation centers in Cologne, Germany and Chicago in the US.