Global trade enabler DP World has signed an agreement for a strategic skills development programme, which will focus on leadership and business management with the renowned Erasmus University, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The joint initiative called “Evolve” will develop aspiring business unit and regional heads across DP World’s global portfolio of 78 ports in 40 countries. The partnership is with three subsidiaries of the Erasmus University Rotterdam: the Centre for Maritime Economics and Logistics (MEL), the Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics (Erasmus UPT) and the Executive Education department of the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM).

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Dubai between DP World Group chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and RSM executive education Dean, Prof Frank Hartmann.

Bin Sulayem said: “Our industry is advancing at unprecedented speeds and as our business strategy develops to include elements of the wider supply chain, the expertise of our people also needs to grow and ‘Evolve’. Our future leaders need to know how to integrate new technologies into our business model and be equipped with the right tools and confidence to think outside the box – to conceptualise innovative new ideas to help us lead the future of world trade.”

DP World senior vice president of Human Capital Maha Al Qattan said: “The Evolve programme is a perfect blend of the latest research and insight of industry specific topics combined with leadership and change development. MEL and Erasmus UPT bring a deep understanding of the complexity and dynamics of global supply chains and combining this with the top-level experience of RSM in executive leadership education creates a unique environment for the development of our future business leaders.”

Prof Hartmann said: “DP World’s inspiring vision to remain at the leading edge of trade innovation perfectly matches RSM’s strategy on academic thought leadership in logistics management.”

Centre for Maritime Economics and Logistics (MEL) academic director and Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics (Erasmus UPT) director, Dr Larissa van der Lugt, said: “MEL and Erasmus UPT have vast experience in educating tomorrow’s business leaders in the complex, highly interconnected and dynamic industry of maritime trade and transport, logistics and ports, in which DP World has a key position.”

Leadership development, business management and enabling industry growth are key components of the Evolve learning journey that will be facilitated with international modules in countries that are critical to DP World’s business performance and success. Throughout the 1.5 year-long programme participants will work on strategic group projects, enabling cross-functional collaboration and company-wide innovation.

Evolve has been designed considering DP World’s business needs as it diversifies into new areas of the global supply chain, including logistics and free trade zones. The programme will provide participants with a wide range of active learning opportunities and feedback, combined with personal coaching to take an in-depth look at individual leadership strengths and weaknesses. – TradeArabia News Service