Members of the Logistics Hall of Fame

Members of the Logistics Hall of Fame have made outstanding achievements in the further development of logistics and supply chain management beyond the boundaries of their own companies and have made a significant and lasting impact on the industry. This eternal pantheon is designed to remind future generations of logisticians of these individuals and what they achieved.

Anja van Niersen

Anja van Niersen is a pioneer and trendsetter in the electrification and decarbonization of road freight transport in Europe. As CEO of the first European truck charging joint venture Milence (TRATON, Daimler Truck and Volvo Group), she aims to establish a total of 1,700 truck charging points throughout Europe by 2027. The first locations have already been opened. Anja van Niersen's career is characterized by the pursuit of sustainability and a strongly value-driven understanding of leadership - not just in theory, but as a hands-on mover and shaker.

Sector	Charging infrastructure, road freight transport
Country	Netherlands
Current position	CEO Milence

Anja van Niersen has been CEO of Milence, a joint venture between TRATON, Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group, since 2022. Her goal is to drive forward the electrification of long-distance freight transport by setting up and operating public fast-charging stations for commercial vehicles. She brings more than ten years of experience in the fields of electromobility and energy transition solutions as well as in the development of new companies and business models at European level. At Alliander, for whose subsidiary she has worked since 2013, first as General Manager/CEO and most recently as Chairwoman, she has set up more than 34,000 charging stations in 16 countries.

With a degree in psychology, van Niersen also brings the skills that are essential for the management of organizations in transition to new business models. This includes the development and transformation of business models, the transfer of knowledge within organizations and the management of innovation processes. Her focus is on a down-to-earth and realistic approach to developing new markets with innovative services.

The turnaround in drive technology can only succeed quickly if a public charging network is available that meets the requirements of logistics companies and truck drivers. She is therefore focusing not only on electric delivery and distribution transport with its own charging points in depots, but also on the rapid expansion of the entire truck charging infrastructure to enable emission-free heavy goods transport in Europe. At the same time, she wants to increase the comfort and safety of professional drivers with Milence. The charging stations should not only be safe, but also offer a corresponding infrastructure, such as sanitary facilities, catering and recreational opportunities.

With the brand name Milence, van Niersen aims to establish a widespread charging network with a total of 1,700 charging points for heavy goods vehicles and buses by 2027. This will begin in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Norway and Sweden. The initial funding of half a billion euros is intended to ensure rapid growth. Currently, one charging park each has been opened in the Netherlands and France and others have been announced in France and Sweden. The first two truck charging parks in Germany will follow in 2024: on the A9 in Vockerode, Saxony-Anhalt, and on the A4 at Hermsdorfer Kreuz, Thuringia. Both Milence locations will allow electric trucks of all brands to charge their batteries.

The roll-out will take place in two phases: Phase 1 will begin with four charging points equipped with CCS chargers with up to 400 kW of power. Phase 2 will bring additional charging points and the integration of MCS technology as soon as this is available.

The charging standard "Combined Charging System" (CCS) enables the batteries of heavy trucks to be charged in less than 90 minutes. With the new "Megawatt Charging Standard" (MCS), the battery of a 40-ton truck can be charged in just 30 to 45 minutes while the driver takes the legally required break.

Vita

1991 - 1997: Manager Organisation Development and Information, U.S. Department of Justice

1997 - 2001: Senior Management Consultant, Origin

2001 - 2005: Client Manager, Atos Origin International

2006 - 2007: Market Development Director, Atos Origin International

2007 - 2008: GMD Director Media & Entertainment, Atos Origin International

2008 - 2009: CIO, Goal4Africa

2009: Gründerin, Any I Partners

2009 - 2010: Managing Director, Mbizions

2010 - 2012: Product Manager, Product Development, Alliander

2012 - 2013: Team Manager Product Development & Management, Alliander

2013 - 2016: General Manager, Allego