International logistics group Kuehne and Nagel (K&N) has announced that Diederick de Vroet will step into the role of director of seafreight for northwest Europe on 1 June 2009.

Mr de Vroet, who has spent 19 years at the Swiss-based company, replaces Frank Hercksen who transfers to K&N North America as senior vice-president for seafreight.

'As director of seafreight in north west Europe, Diederick will continue to focus on the enhancement of service levels through high quality standards and innovation as well as new product development and sales, in order to support our global initiative to grow market share,' said Tim Scharwath, CEO of K&N northwest Europe.

The position is the latest in a number of different positions that Mr de Vroet has occupied at the group, including overall responsibility for K&N's seafreight activities in the Benelux countries and, most recently, director of corporate seafreight.