Former Airborne executive leaves top spot at DHL’s U.S. unit

Former Airborne executive leaves top spot at DHL’s U.S. unit    Four months after express carrier DHL Worldwide Express acquired Airborne Express, the company’s U.S. division has a new leader. Uwe Doerken, Worldwide’s chief executive officer and a member of DHL parent company Deutsche Post World Net’s board, will replace Carl Donaway as executive chairman of DHL USA, the company said Tuesday.
   Donaway headed Airborne Express and was responsible for executing the merger with DHL. A statement gave no reason for Donaway’s departure other than he was leaving “to pursue other business opportunities.” DHL has stated in the past that it plans to consolidate management positions as part of its integration plan.
   John Fellows will continue to implement the merger of the two companies as CEO of DHL’s U.S. operation.
   DHL bought Airborne in August for about $1 billion in cash in an effort to add a dedicated domestic ground network to its express air operations, and break the grip of FedEx and UPS on the domestic expedited delivery market. The three companies are fierce competitors internationally, where DHL has a stronger presence.