New Regional Sales Manager for Mediterranean & Africa

For the first time, a. hartrodt's sales activities for the strategically important Mediterranean region and Africa are being managed from the Global South. Based in Johannesburg, Gareth Horton has been responsible since June 1, 2025, for a sales team of 15 employees in South Africa, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. "In line with our global sales strategy, we provide solutions with high levels of customer engagement and excellent service," says the South African, outlining his strategy.

Three decades in the international freight forwarding business

Gareth Horton holds a Bachelor's degree in economics, industrial psychology, and business management from Stellenbosch University and has nearly three decades of experience in the international freight forwarding business in the commercial and industrial capital of Johannesburg. He has been with a. hartrodt South Africa for more than four years and has left a strong footprint as National Sales and Pricing Manager with his in-depth understanding of various industries.

Support local sales strategy in each country on site

Gareth Horton has utilized his first four months as Regional Sales Manager Mediterranean & Africa to familiarize himself with the local structures, teams, and opportunities. Thanks to direct flights from Johannesburg to the Turkish hub of Istanbul, the Mediterranean region is within easy reach. His plan is to visit each country on a quarterly basis to support the local sales strategy. One of his key goals is to "create structure and stability within each national sales force". At the same time, he is involved in business development on his own continent: "The challenge is to ensure strategic partners in African countries."

He believes that his most difficult task is finding skilled employees. More staff in Italy, Greece, and Spain will be added to strengthen consultative selling: "We want to provide more personalized customer service and develop long-term partnerships."