Kuehne+Nagel Names Marcus Claesson as New Chief Information Officer
Kuehne+Nagel International AG, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, has announced a significant leadership transition within its executive team. The Board of Directors has appointed Marcus Claesson to the company’s Management Board, where he will take over the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective September 1, 2025. Claesson will succeed Martin Kolbe, who will retire on October 1, 2025, after two decades of service on the company’s Management Board and an influential career in shaping the company’s technological and digital strategy.
This leadership change signals a continued commitment by Kuehne+Nagel to drive forward its digital transformation and reinforce its position as a technology-driven logistics innovator.
A Proven Leader in Global IT Transformation
Marcus Claesson, a seasoned IT executive with more than 25 years of international experience, joins Kuehne+Nagel at a time when the logistics industry is rapidly evolving through digital innovation and data-driven decision-making. A Swedish national born in 1971, Claesson holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Borås in Sweden. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership roles in major global corporations, successfully steering complex IT strategies and large-scale digital transformations.
Since 2019, Claesson has served as Chief Information Officer at Daimler Truck AG, the DAX-listed truck and commercial vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing global IT operations and aligning technology infrastructure with Daimler Truck’s broader business strategy, including its transition to sustainable and software-defined vehicles.
Prior to his current role, Claesson held several senior IT positions at Daimler AG, where he was responsible for IT systems across the commercial vehicle division. His expertise in both enterprise architecture and emerging technologies has earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking leader capable of navigating complex technological landscapes.
From 2007 to 2016, Claesson served as CIO of Electrolux AB, the Stockholm-based global home appliance manufacturer. He also held the position of CEO of Electrolux IT Solutions AB during this time. At Electrolux, he led major digital modernization initiatives, revamped enterprise platforms, and implemented new data governance strategies, significantly enhancing the company’s global IT capabilities. Earlier in his career, Claesson spent a decade at industrial gases and engineering company Linde AG in Germany, where he worked in IT leadership roles based in Munich and Wiesbaden.
With a career spanning logistics, manufacturing, and commercial vehicles, Claesson brings a rare combination of technical depth and strategic insight to Kuehne+Nagel as the company continues to harness technology to transform supply chain operations globally.
Honoring Two Decades of Impact: Martin Kolbe’s Legacy
The incoming appointment of Marcus Claesson also marks the conclusion of an era, as current CIO Martin Kolbe prepares to retire following an exceptional 20-year tenure on Kuehne+Nagel’s Management Board. Kolbe has been a central figure in driving the company’s IT and digitalization strategy, playing a crucial role in building Kuehne+Nagel’s reputation as a digital leader within the logistics sector.
Under Kolbe’s leadership, the company implemented numerous groundbreaking initiatives aimed at integrating digital tools with physical logistics operations. He was instrumental in developing KN Login, a customer-facing visibility platform, and expanding the use of predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation within the company’s logistics network. Kolbe also oversaw the modernization of the company’s core IT infrastructure, helping to ensure scalable and secure systems capable of supporting global logistics operations across more than 100 countries.
Reflecting on Kolbe’s contribution, Dr. Joerg Wolle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, expressed deep appreciation:
“Kuehne+Nagel stands for strong information technology expertise and is driving digitalisation in logistics. Information technology enhances transparency and efficiency and helps optimise services for our customers. We are pleased to welcome Marcus Claesson, a proven IT executive, to the Management Board. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Martin Kolbe for his outstanding work. He has been instrumental in advancing the development of our IT systems and digitalisation efforts.”
Kolbe’s departure comes at a time when the global logistics industry is experiencing unprecedented technological change. From artificial intelligence and blockchain to digital twins and advanced supply chain visibility tools, logistics providers are embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of e-commerce, manufacturing, and global trade. Kuehne+Nagel’s robust investment in IT and data science has positioned it as a frontrunner in this transformation, and Kolbe’s leadership has laid a strong foundation for his successor to build upon.
Navigating the Future of Digital Logistics
With his deep industry knowledge and proven record of driving digital evolution across multinational organizations, Marcus Claesson is well-positioned to take on the CIO role at Kuehne+Nagel and continue the company’s legacy of technological excellence.
Kuehne+Nagel’s IT function is central to its long-term strategy. The company has increasingly emphasized digital capabilities across all business segments, including sea freight, air freight, contract logistics, and road transport. In recent years, Kuehne+Nagel has introduced a wide range of digital solutions to improve shipment tracking, warehouse automation, and end-to-end supply chain visibility. These tools enable customers to make faster and more informed decisions in an increasingly complex and uncertain global market.
As part of the Management Board, Claesson will be responsible not only for maintaining the integrity and performance of the company’s existing IT systems but also for innovating new solutions that align with the company’s goals of sustainability, resilience, and customer-centric service delivery.
Additionally, Claesson’s background in IT for automotive and manufacturing sectors brings a valuable cross-industry perspective to Kuehne+Nagel. His familiarity with just-in-time supply chains, embedded technologies, and industrial IoT (Internet of Things) platforms is likely to complement Kuehne+Nagel’s own efforts to digitize logistics flows, reduce carbon emissions, and meet the increasingly stringent requirements of global shippers.
About Kuehne+Nagel
Kuehne+Nagel, headquartered in Schindellegi, Switzerland, is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. With more than 80,000 employees at over 1,300 locations in more than 100 countries, the company offers comprehensive logistics services including sea freight, air freight, contract logistics, and overland transport.
The company is known for its customer-focused approach, global reach, and a strong commitment to sustainability and digital innovation. Kuehne+Nagel’s digital platforms and services are widely recognized in the industry for their reliability, transparency, and efficiency.
The appointment of Marcus Claesson marks the beginning of a new chapter in Kuehne+Nagel’s digital journey. As the logistics industry becomes increasingly reliant on smart technology and data-driven solutions, Claesson’s leadership will be key to ensuring Kuehne+Nagel not only keeps pace with industry trends but leads them.
The company’s Board of Directors, executive team, and global employees look forward to welcoming Claesson and working together to continue delivering excellence in logistics powered by innovative technology.