Oliver Evans joins Matternet

NOV 16, 2015: Matternet, a provider of autonomous drone logistics systems for small, urgent deliveries, has appointed former Swiss WorldCargo chief cargo officer Oliver Evans as its head of global business development. Evans stepped down at the end of September 2015 from his role as head of Swiss WorldCargo after 12 years of leading the airline’s cargo division.

Commenting on the appointment of Evans, Matternet CEO Andreas Raptopoulos said, “Oliver is one of the most recognised 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.”

Evans said, “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.” “Building excellent customer relations and working closely with regulatory authorities is key to continue opening such markets for Matternet,” he further added.

Evans has been head of cargo at Swiss almost since its creation in 2002 following the bankruptcy of Switzerland’s former national airline Swissair, with Evans joining as executive vice president of Swiss WorldCargo in December 2002, later re-named chief cargo officer. Swiss WorldCargo went into business on 1 April 2002 selling the cargo capacity of the Swiss fleet, with a stated aim to generate sustainable profits by targeting niche markets. Evans spent a brief period in 2003 and 2004 within Swiss’s passenger business as head of passenger sales and then as head of sales and marketing, before returning to cargo in 2004.

In April 2015, Swiss Post, Swiss WorldCargo and Matternet joined forces to test the commercial use of flying drones for logistics purpose. The companies tested several Matternet ONE flying vehicles, which are specially designed for transporting small packages and mail. The drone features lightweight construction, is capable of transporting loads of up to one kilogramme over more than 10 kilometres with a single battery charge, and is “extremely simple to operate,” according to the companies.