Brett Hattaway, vice president and head of legal for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at DHL, has been an integral part of the company’s legal team since 2004. His extensive experience and leadership have been pivotal in navigating the complex regulatory landscapes and diverse legal environments of over 70 countries and territories where DHL operates across Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. With a team of around 40 lawyers under his guidance, he has built a high-performing unit that consistently ranks among the top teams globally in DHL group’s internal business partner satisfaction survey.

Brett’s approach to managing legal affairs during periods of instability is marked by a strategic alignment with DHL’s broader business goals. During crises, he ensures that the legal strategy not only addresses immediate challenges, but also supports the organisation’s longer-term objectives. This approach was notably demonstrated in DHL’s recent acquisitions and partnerships, including the full acquisition of Danzas AEI Emirates and the acquisition of MNG Kargo in Turkey in 2023. These transactions, crucial to DHL’s growth strategy, were managed to align with evolving regional regulations and business objectives.

Under Brett’s stewardship, the MEA legal team has supported DHL’s robust commitment to ESG initiatives including driving the legal contracts for the development and trialling of numerous electric vehicle programmes, the installation of solar power on numerous facilities, and facilitating the use of sustainable aviation fuel. The recent partnership between DHL and Etihad Rail, for instance, not only supports DHL’s logistics operations but also aligns with the UAE’s Carbon Emissions Reduction Programme.

In addition to these accomplishments, Brett’s emphasis on diversity and employee development within the legal team has been a cornerstone of his leadership. With 61% of the legal team comprising women and a wide range of nationalities and languages represented, the team’s diverse background is key to effectively managing complex legal challenges across a wide region. Brett is particularly proud of the intern programme he has developed, which has helped numerous junior lawyers and interns advance their careers, further underscoring his commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative environment.

Overall, Brett Hattaway’s leadership has been a driving force behind DHL’s legal successes in the MEA region. His strategic foresight, use of technology, and dedication to ESG principles and team development have not only strengthened the company’s legal capabilities but also reinforced its position as a leader in the global logistics industry.