Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your responses to my personal note. The feedback has been both positive and negative. I am getting a lot of support, but I also receive criticism for a good reason. You have questioned my credibility as a role model and as the CEO. You are asking yourself whether I should retain my role.
What is clear, is that all of you want what is best for DB Schenker, and I am also conscious that what is best for DB Schenker has to be the guiding principle.
The conflict which I had with a taxi driver in Singapore, that escalated and resulted in a trial and a verdict, is a very painful reminder of how one unacceptable incident jeopardizes everything. This behavior will never happen again.
I have decided that I will not appeal the Singapore Court’s verdict and will take responsibility for my own actions. I will be taking voluntarily an unpaid leave of absence in the very near future in order to take care of my personal affairs, and for the short period of my absence Dr. Lutz Freytag will assume the role as interim CEO. I want to thank my fellow Board Members, the DB Board and especially our Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Richard Lutz, for their support.
I apologize again for my behavior. I recognize many of you have to deal with this incident, for which only I am responsible.
Upon my return, I will work hard to restore your confidence. I will demonstrate the leadership and commitment which you and of course our customers expect and deserve.
I am asking for a second chance.
Yours sincerely,
Jochen Thewes
CEO
Schenker AG