Larry Hillblom

Larry Hillblom’s contribution to the founding was his deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks necessary to navigate the complex customs environments of the Far East and Europe. He recognized that the key to speeding up international shipments was not just flying faster, but clearing customs more efficiently, and he developed the relationships and expertise necessary to do so.

Larry Hillblom was a co-founder of DHL International and a key driving force behind the company’s early expansion into the Far East. A brilliant legal mind, Hillblom recognized that the key to speeding up international shipments was not just flying faster, but clearing customs more efficiently. He developed deep relationships with customs authorities across Asia and Europe, and developed the expertise necessary to navigate the complex regulatory environments of the international shipping market. Hillblom’s focus on regulatory compliance and customs expertise helped establish the company’s reputation for reliability and speed, which was critical in attracting the initial base of multinational corporate clients. His strategic guidance during the company’s early years ensured that the company’s network expansion was not just physically possible, but legally and operationally viable. Hillblom’s contributions were critical in establishing the corporate infrastructure that allowed the company to scale from a single-route courier to a global aviation powerhouse, and his legacy of deep expertise in international trade regulations remains a core component of the DHL Group’s corporate DNA.