DHL UAE'S Watson wins elite industry award

Watson, 39, has received a Bill Walden Award, presented bi-annually by DHL, the leading air express provider, to high performing managers across the world. It enables them to enhance their capabilities through educational development programmes.

Watson is the only recipient of this year's awards from the Middle East. The awards are funded by the Bill Walden Educational Trust, which was established in 1988 in memory of DHL's world-wide CEO from 1980-85. Walden, an Australian, was a dynamic leader instrumental in fostering the management skills of many DHL personnel.

"This is an elite award and Duncan successfully met all the demanding criteria," says David Wild, DHL UAE General Manager, who recommended Watson for the honour.

"Winners must have the ability to recognise business opportunities and develop them, possess sound analytical skills and a practical business approach. Most importantly, they must have the ability to communicate at all levels."

The $20,000 plus expenses award will cover Watson's studies in an Accelerated Development Programme at the renowned London Business School next later this year.

"It's a prestigious award and I'm definitely very proud to have been selected," says Watson.

"Education is the key to progress in this increasingly competitive industry. Our business demands constant enhancements and this award is part of DHL's commitment to investing in its management."

Watson, who joined DHL in Cambridge in his native England in 1991, has risen rapidly through the ranks of field sales.

Before joining DHL UAE, the Emirates' top freight express provider, in 1998 Watson was National Key Accounts Manager in Britain.
In the UAE, DHL's sales are at record levels, but as Watson points out, "yield is also doing very well in a very competitive market."