Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ looks at a different segment of the air cargo industry and brings the huge variety of careers to life through the individuals working in them. World trade would not be moving very far without the support of global logistics service providers or freight forwarders as they are also termed. Most of these are not limited to only air freight. DB Schenker, for example, also deals with land and ocean transport as well as contract logistics. Today, Mario Arnold (MA), DB Schenker’s Head of Global Public Relations and Media Spokesperson takes us through his responsibilities, thoughts, and experiences.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
MA: My role is Head of Global Public Relations and Media Spokesperson at DB Schenker. As part of a small and dedicated team, I have the honor of overseeing the media relations of the global logistics service provider. This includes shaping our corporate messaging to ensure that our brand remains a trusted voice in the industry while staying aligned with our current owner, Deutsche Bahn. Working closely with our executive teams, we develop strategic communication initiatives that support our business objectives and strengthen our market reputation. As the link between our company and the public, one part of my role is to handle a lot of media inquiries – primarily from business and trade press – which is why I also receive regular calls from your editorial team at CargoForwarder Global. I am based at our company’s global headquarters in Essen in Germany.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
MA: The size, business diversity, and global reach of DB Schenker guarantee that no two days are ever the same – I am constantly learning about new topics or issues. The sheer range of matters is immense. As the global press office, we streamline, standardize and review all PR communication materials across our markets. A typical workday might include refining an ESG wording in a press release from Australia or the U.S., deciding on a new global workflow alignment in light of our current M&A process, reviewing a reactive media statement from one of our European markets, consulting with my team about a customer’s announcement in India, and providing interview guidance to one of our global executives. I very much enjoy the geographical diversity of my job.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
MA: Actually, my background is less in the belly hold and more in the passenger cabin of an aircraft. As a PR consultant at the renowned Munich-based communications agency Wilde & Partner, I managed several aviation accounts, including Emirates Airline. While much of my work revolved around the famous A380 onboard showers and aircraft deliveries, I also had the chance to work on projects for their air freight division, Emirates SkyCargo. That experience sparked my interest in the fascinating world of logistics. Now, after more than five years with DB Schenker, I have broadened that logistics horizon, communicating across all business units and transport modes. But I must admit – air freight remains one of my greatest passions.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
MA: Relevance! The logistics business is highly complex, fast-moving, and deeply connected to global events – yet it often operates behind the scenes. As a PR professional, I get to bring more transparency, build trust, and tell the stories that make our industry more tangible to the outside world. In a way, my PR job is a lot like logistics itself – when everything runs smoothly, most people don’t even notice it. But the moment something goes wrong, suddenly everyone has questions. Covid put us more in the public spotlight. My job is to make sure the supply chain industry gets the recognition it deserves – not just for disruptions, but for the resilience, problem-solving attitude, and innovation that keep global trade moving. Logistics matters.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
MA: One of the biggest challenges in the air cargo industry is balancing efficiency, resilience and the urgent need to accelerate sustainability initiatives despite an increasingly unpredictable world. From a communications perspective, the challenge lies in making these complexities understandable to the public and key stakeholders.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to enter into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
MA: First of all: Stay curious – especially about geopolitics and the economic landscape. Everything in air cargo is interconnected, from trade policies and economic shifts to fuel prices and regulatory changes. Understanding the bigger picture will help you anticipate developments and make better decisions. Whenever you read or watch the news, ask yourself: How could this impact supply chains? Secondly, I highly recommend looking beyond air freight to other modes of transport. Ocean, rail, road – they all have their own dynamics. A solid grasp of the entire logistics ecosystem will help you think more strategically about air cargo’s role. The more perspectives you have, the better you can navigate this fast-moving industry.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
MA: Well, if we are going for a bit of drama, the title could be “The Invisible Backbone”! Because air cargo is essential, yet one of those industries that people rarely think about.
Many thanks, Mario!
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
