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Donna Letterio is CEO Canada for
DHL Global Forwarding Inc., responsible for the DHL Global Forwarding
Business unit in Canada.
As far as we can tell, Donna is a
revelation for her great professional achievements and years of
service; like no one else we have ever come across during our 40
years on the air cargo beat, Donna is outstanding for her over-the-top
effort to actively empower other woman to seek careers in business.
Donna joined the former Air Express
International (AEI) in 1991 as Operations Manager, Toronto. In 1995
she was promoted to District Manager, Toronto, and then named Country
Manager for Canada in 1999.
In January 2006 she was promoted to
Country Manager of the combined operations of Exel Freight Management
and DHL Danzas Air & Ocean, now known as DHL Global Forwarding
(Canada), Inc., and in 2009 was named CEO; she is based at the country
headquarters in Toronto, Ontario.
Ms. Letterio played a key role in
the successful integration of Danzas and AEI in 2000 and Exel Freight
Management into DHL in Canada in 2006.
Canada was the first country to be
integrated following the merger in 2000 and the second country following
the acquisition of Exel in 2006.
Today Donna is at the top of her field,
overseeing a network that encompasses all major points of entry,
a major warehousing and distribution center in Toronto, and one
of the country’s largest ocean freight and customs brokerage
networks.
During Letterio’s tenure as
Country Manager, the company has dramatically expanded its product
portfolio in Canada, opened several brokerage offices, and become
a leading logistics player in the NAFTA trades.
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The Canadian operation has shown
significant transportation growth during her tenure as well.
Donna Letterio is a member of the
Canadian Institute of Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) and
has achieved certification as a Professional Logistician from the
Canadian Professional Logistics Institute.
“I joined the air cargo industry
in 1980 after graduating early from High School,” Donna said.
“I had a plan to work for 18
months before going to the university to follow in my father’s
footsteps to becoming a doctor.
“But then I was promoted after
the first year and the rest is history!”
Today the best advice for women who
seek a career in air cargo or for that matter any form of business
is a matter of simple common sense.
“Success is not measured from
a linear perspective but from a combination of skills such as hard
work, perseverance, dedication, good interpersonal skills, and the
ability to be a clear communicator.
“When making decisions, be clear
as to why you are making that particular decision, explain the risks
associated with it along with the opportunities and how best those
risks can be mitigated.
“Don’t be afraid to make
mistakes, be able to acknowledge them when they occur, and learn
from them,
“Lead by example—particularly
in times of change and uncertainty.
“Most important is to enjoy
what you do and have fun.”
Geoffrey/Flossie
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Bettina
Jansen
RE:
