Bicolano Appointed as Global Director at DHL’s IT
By Rico, 7:07 am Wed Mar 11 2009 - News - 4 Opinions
An internal company document reports that Bob Pandes, a Bicolano who grew up in Naga City, is now the Director Global IT Business solutions of DHL Express. The position, which reports directly to the VP of Global Operations & Network Systems, is responsible for a large part of the express mail company’s IT operations, and is based in DHL’s global HQ in Bonn, Germany.
Mr. Pandes had worked his way up the corporate ladder, working first for DHL Manila as Aviation IT Manager in 1995, ending up as a Business IT Program Manager based in Prague. Company literature praises his “substantial experience in software development, application support, systems administration and data center operations management.”
He graduated with a degree in Business Management (Honors) from Ateneo de Manila University, and completed post-graduated studies at Insead University in France. Sources indicate that Mr. Pandes’ education at Ateneo was on full scholarship. Reportedly, the only financial strain on his parents’ budgets was the bus ticket from Naga to Manila.
It’s stories like these that make me happy and sad at the same time. Seeing a fellow countryman succeed at his field so convincingly makes me happy, while seeing his determination and expertise out of the Philippines—since that was the only way it could be maximized—makes me sad.
Jon Limjap
8:08 am Wed Mar 11 2009
I’ll make sure this blog post reaches Bob, Rico.
My project team directly works with Bob on an IT project where DHL is our client. My company has been working with him for the past few years, and I have met him a few times when he visits Manila to meet with our officers.
I’ll have to disagree with your opinion that it’s sad that his expertise is used and maximized outside of the country — considering that he did start in DHL Manila, and went up the ranks from there, as opposed to traditional OFWs who deliberately left the Philippines after graduation.
Rico
9:09 am Wed Mar 11 2009
Thanks! To be clear, it wasn’t a criticism of Mr. Pandes himself, but the lack of opportunities that limit the potential of someone like him. I do agree with your point about his career path compared to the “traditional” OFW.
BrianB
1:01 am Thu Mar 12 2009
Looks like a straightforward promotion. Not even his choice.
Roy Donasco
12:12 pm Wed Nov 18 2009
I agree, it’s a straightforward promotion.
However, I disagree that his contributions benefits only foreign companies.
Bob have stayed in DHL Aviation (Philippines) for more than 10 years, prior to that he worked with San Miguel for several years.
He contributed a lot in development of I.T. in the Philippines by giving business opportunities to local companies to work on DHL Global Projects.
I should know, he was one of my mentors in DHL.