New CEO for IDS to “ensure both Royal Mail and GLS reach their full potential”

International Distributions Services plc (IDS) today announces the appointment of Martin Seidenberg as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDS. Under the revised structure, Martin will lead the IDS Group and set its strategic direction.

He will be appointing CEOs for Royal Mail and GLS responsible for operational management of the two subsidiaries in due course. 

Martin joined GLS in 2015 as CEO of GLS Germany and was appointed as CEO of GLS in June 2020.  He has been a member of the IDS Board since April 2021. Prior to joining the Group, Martin spent 15 years at Deutsche Post DHL where he held a variety of logistics, strategy and CEO roles internationally.

Keith Williams, Chairman of IDS, said:

“The Board is delighted to appoint Martin as Group CEO of IDS. His extensive international logistics experience and proven track record makes him the right person to lead the Group at this critical juncture. 

“Under Martin’s leadership GLS has grown to nearly 40% of Group revenue and it continuously delivered significant profit to the Group. He has transformed GLS into a state-of-the-art international parcel logistics network serving consumers and businesses across Europe and North America. With Royal Mail entering a new phase of its transformation after the ballot on the agreement with the CWU, and GLS on a positive trajectory, we can move both companies forward under Martin’s leadership to deliver change, growth and value across the Group.” 

Commenting on his appointment, Martin Seidenberg said: “It is a privilege to be appointed to lead IDS and ensure that both Royal Mail and GLS reach their full potential. We may have challenges ahead, but through transformation and working together with our people, we can undoubtedly have a bright future.”  

“GLS is an exceptional business with great potential and a strong brand in its own right. We will remain focused on quality, profitable growth and margin development to thrive in the current challenging macro-economic environment. We will continue to invest so that the business continues to deliver high quality and becomes even more global and digital over time.”  

“With Royal Mail’s brand, unrivalled scale and postmen and women connecting every household and business in the country, we have plenty of opportunity ahead of us. But we must seize it. By enabling Royal Mail to best serve our customers’ evolving demands, we can deliver benefits for customers, employees and shareholders alike.”

This announcement is made in accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.11R. There are no other details required to be disclosed pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13R.