Optimisation & efficiencies, priorities for Wallenborn's new COO Ram Menon

"We never say no."

"Our model is built around adapting to the needs of our customers. The dynamics of the industry have changed, and we now offer tailor-made solutions. In order to survive and adapt, you have to be flexible and valuable—and that’s exactly what our customers expect from us, along with consistent service quality."

These are the words of Ram Menon, the newly promoted Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Luxembourg-based air cargo road feeder services provider Wallenborn Transports.

Menon, who has been serving as interim COO since February 2025 following the departure of Kevin P. Nash, now formally takes the reins, bringing with him a sharp focus on operational optimisation and efficiency.

Speaking exclusively to The STAT Trade Times, Menon underscored that his top priority is to extract more value from Wallenborn’s existing network.

“One of the main exercises I’ve been leading over the past six months is a network optimisation review,” he said.

“The goal is to understand whether we genuinely need more capacity or if we can use our existing capacity more efficiently. What we’re learning is that, yes, there are inefficiencies we can address.”

As the industry braces for the seasonal cargo surge later this year, Menon is determined to ensure Wallenborn is ready without unnecessary investments.

“Everything we do is in preparation for high season. Some may joke that the whole year feels like peak season, but the real crunch comes in September. For us, it's about doing more with less—leveraging our network and understanding how to use it smarter,” he said.

Menon originally returned to Wallenborn in July 2023 as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) after spending five years with Amazon in various leadership roles. Reflecting on his journey, he wrote on LinkedIn, “It has been a fun journey thus far on the Commercial side, and whilst working in the background for the last 6 months on the operational side, looking forward to formalising the transition and pushing onwards with this next chapter.”

The announcement of his promotion came during the air cargo Europe 2025 and transport logistic exhibitions in Munich, Germany. Simultaneously, Wallenborn elevated Commercial Director Jason Breakwell to the role of Chief Commercial Officer.

Menon brings a hybrid perspective to his new role, combining commercial acumen with a pragmatic approach to logistics.

“We started off as a trucking company—and at our core, we still are one. But today, I consider us an asset-based 4PL provider. We deliver end-to-end solutions tailored to customer needs. Flexibility and reliability are non-negotiable,” he said.

Despite challenges like rising fuel and equipment costs, driver shortages, and vehicle delivery delays, Menon remains focused.

“The model is simple: maximise loaded kilometres, minimise empties, and leverage our European network. This year, our mission is operational optimisation and improving efficiency.”