World Mail and Express Europe 2013

There are over 30 national posts in Europe, not to mention private operators, and numerous parcels and express companies. To varying degrees all are having to adjust to the shift from paper based communications to digital, and respond to the growth of e-commerce with its greater focus on goods delivery to the home.

If you believe certain pundits, the answer is digital; or it is logistics. Perhaps it is financial services; or retail. It could involve moving up and down the postal value chain. Some see the solution in moving into new geographical areas; or acquisitions and joint ventures. For many it is a combination of all or some of these activities that is creating a new business mix. There is huge diversity in diversification!

In a Europe that aims to become more and more a single market, why is it that different posts appear to be going in so many different directions? Is it history, culture, different management skill sets and CEO ambitions, relationship with government, availability of cash?

In Geneva we will be looking for answers to these and similar questions—from industry experts and suppliers, and from the operators themselves. The challenge will be not only to outline what their strategies are, but to answer questions such as how did they evaluate alternative approaches and why did they reject some areas of diversification and opt for others?