Kurt Pierloot Steps Down as Bleckmann CEO Following Rapid Revenue and Expansion

This article examines Bleckmann’s leadership change after a period of rapid growth and what that transition could mean for logistics and omnichannel fulfilment.

What happened: a concise recap

Bleckmann announced that Kurt Pierloot will step down as Chief Executive Officer after 6.5 years in the role. The departure is described as a mutual decision, and Pierloot will remain involved briefly to support a handover on several strategic projects. Meanwhile, Gokalp Cak (Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of Netlog Logistics Group), Bleckmann’s major shareholder, will act as interim CEO with support from the Board and Executive Committee to maintain continuity.

Key figures and milestones

The leadership change arrives after a period of significant commercial momentum: the company’s revenue grew from roughly €280 million in 2018 to about €730 million, a rise that has been framed as approximately 160% growth. Profitability strengthened during that span, including through the COVID-19 turbulence. Investments in automation, scalability and sustainability were central to Pierloot’s strategy, as was a targeted acquisition program aimed at expanding Bleckmann’s footprint.

Snapshot table: Bleckmann under recent leadership

Strategic drivers: automation, acquisitions and omni-channel focus

Under Pierloot, Bleckmann doubled down on three interlocking strategies: automation of warehousing and fulfilment, expansion into new geographies, and building stronger ties with fashion and lifestyle brands. The acquisition of a majority stake in Spain’s B2Tex was a clear tactical move to strengthen presence in Southern Europe and deepen sector expertise in fashion logistics.

• Automatisation : Investments aimed at increasing throughput, accuracy and sustainability.
• Acquisitions: Targeted buys to broaden service capabilities and regional reach.
• Client focus: Tailored omnichannel fulfilment services for fashion and lifestyle brands.

Put another way, the company has been building a platform that can scale peak season demand while keeping returns healthy—a classic case of growth with operational discipline. As the old saying goes, they didn’t just talk the talk; they put systems in place to walk the walk.

What this leadership change means for operations

Day-to-day operations are expected to continue uninterrupted thanks to the interim appointment and the existing executive structure. For clients, suppliers and partners, the immediate message is stability: strategic plans and growth trajectories remain in place, and the Board has signaled an orderly transition rather than a strategic pivot.

Practical implications for partners and logistics networks

Here’s what logistics managers and partners should watch for:

1. Continuity of service levels during peak cycles and contract renewals.
2. Ongoing automation rollouts—expect more integration points for carriers and warehouse systems.
3. Potential regional service enhancements in Southern Europe, post-B2Tex integration.
4. Opportunities for new clients to partner on sustainable or high-volume retail fulfilment programs.

Why the succession matters to the logistics ecosystem

A leadership change at a significant omnichannel fulfilment player like Bleckmann is not just corporate news; it ripples through distribution networks, vendor plans, and carrier capacity decisions. Companies that rely on Bleckmann for fashion logistics may re-evaluate timelines, while carriers and technology vendors might see renewed procurement or integration opportunities.

For logistics professionals, the lesson is simple: leadership changes can accelerate or decelerate program rollouts, but well-governed companies typically keep the engine humming. Bleckmann’s clear emphasis on automation and scalable fulfilment reduces the risk of service shocks—a comforting thought for those who’ve been burned by last-minute supply chain surprises.

Achievements to note

• Revenue expansion from €280m to €730m.
• Profitability improvements even through pandemic pressures.
• Technology investment in automation and sustainability.
• Strategic M&A such as the B2Tex deal to boost regional presence.

All of this has strengthened Bleckmann as a resilient, client-oriented logistics partner tailored to the specific needs of fashion and lifestyle brands—an environment where speed, returns management, and brand experience combine to shape fulfilment strategies.

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Highlights: the company’s rapid growth, focused automation investments, strategic acquisition of B2Tex, and the interim leadership of Gokalp Cak are all important. Yet, no amount of third-party praise replaces first-hand experience—clients and partners should judge service by actual performance. On GetTransport.com you can directly compare transport options, view pricing transparency and secure cost-effective global cargo solutions that fit your needs. This combination of convenience, affordability and choice helps to reduce procurement friction and gives shippers confidence when arranging freight, delivery, or relocation services.

In short, Bleckmann’s leadership transition caps a period of meaningful growth and positions the company to continue supporting fashion and lifestyle brands across Europe. For shippers, carriers and logistics planners, the event is a reminder to watch how strategic investments—automation, sustainability and M&A—translate into real-world improvements in fulfilment, dispatch and distribution. Whether arranging a palletized shipment, a bulky-item haulage, international container forwarding, or a housemove, having reliable partners matters. Platforms like GetTransport.com simplify the search for cost-effective and reliable transport, helping to connect freight demands with carriers and movers worldwide.