South African Hennie Heymans will commence his managing director role at DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa this week.

From Thursday, he will oversee 51 countries and territories, over 3 500 employees and 250 facilities, five regional hubs and 14 dedicated company aircraft.

Heymans succeeds Charles Brewer, who is now focussed on building a new African e-commerce venture as part of the Mara Group.

“DHL Express will continue to invest in its people and network in Africa. Having entered the African market 37 years ago, we have witnessed the turnaround from the ‘forgotten continent’ to ‘Africa Rising’ and we now wish to be part of the next phase – ‘Africa Thriving,’ Heymans says.

The group says it aims to grow its share of revenues generated in emerging markets significantly, with the sub-Saharan Africa region a vital cog in the strategy.