Matternet, named Technology Pioneer 2015 by the World Economic Forum, appoints ex-Chief Cargo Officer of Swiss International Air Lines as new Head of Global Business Development
Every year, the World Economic Forum recognizes leading global technology companies poised to have significant impact on business and society, such as 23andMe, Google, Palantir and Wikipedia. Matternet is now one of the latest recipients of this distinction. Joining this exclusive circle of technology pioneers is a great honor, giving access to top industry and political leaders, and promising to usher in the next phase of the company’s growth.
Since 2011, Matternet has gone from deploying its technology in some of the world’s toughest environments, to pioneering drone logistics networks for the most exacting customers requiring on-demand delivery of high-value, time-sensitive goods. The company is striving to become the market leader for specialized on-demand drone logistics, focusing on opportunities in central Europe and the USA, specifically around diagnostics and last-mile healthcare deliveries, alongside humanitarian logistics in developing economies.
To spearhead this strategy, Matternet has appointed Oliver Evans as Head of Global Business Development. For the last twelve years, Oliver served as Chief Cargo Officer at Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., responsible for their air cargo and postal business worldwide, and enjoying a reputation as the leading provider of services for shippers of urgent, sensitive and valuable commodities. Prior to SWISS, he held top executive positions at some of the world’s leading logistics service providers in the USA, Asia and Europe.
“Oliver is one of the most recognized leaders in global air logistics. His visionary thinking, vast industry experience and track record in executing sharply focused go-to-market strategies is a huge asset to Matternet,” says Matternet CEO Andreas Raptopoulos.
“The advantages of deploying drone systems and solutions in specific industries are already becoming evident and will have a massive impact. Targeting these highly specialized segments requires extensive knowledge of customers and markets, sophisticated service, and mutual trust,” states Oliver Evans. Excited with the challenges ahead, he adds “building excellent customer relations and working closely with regulatory authorities is key to continue opening such markets for Matternet.”
Underlining Matternet’s ambition and strategy to build a global presence, Oliver Evans will be based in Switzerland, taking advantage of the country’s easy access to the key central European market and its famous concentration of globally leading pharmaceutical companies.
About Matternet
Matternet is the leading provider of autonomous drone logistics systems for small, urgent deliveries. The company has rapidly gained international reputation for its work with the World Health Organization, Doctors without Borders, and more recently with some of the world’s leading logistics players. Matternet’s first product, Matternet ONE, is available to logistics and healthcare customers in Europe and the USA, alongside humanitarian organizations in developing countries. www.mttr.net, @matternet
About Oliver Evans
Oliver Evans is an air cargo expert and award-winning former Chief Cargo Officer of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. During his term, he developed the company’s cargo division, Swiss WorldCargo, into a global leader for the transportation of high-value, care-intensive, urgent shipments, regularly drawing industry honors. Previous mandates include VP Strategy & Alliances, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM Cargo), and VP Global Sales Europe, Middle East & Africa, BAX Global. He also served as Chairman of the Board of The International Air Cargo
Association (TIACA), engaging with regulators and pushing for modernization of processes in air cargo. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Manchester University, England (with distinction), and is fluent in English, French, German, Dutch and Italian. Oliver thrives on changing the world towards better, sustainable transportation, and to develop and mentor the talent needed to master this change. Within Matternet, Oliver is responsible for Global Business Development.
