Helmut Hoerz joins Executive Management of IFCO SYSTEMS

The international logistics service provider IFCO SYSTEMS is strengthening its Executive Management Committee by taking on an experienced top manager in the retail field. Helmut Hoerz (47) will have responsibility for European sales. Mr. Hoerz was COO of EDEKA AG from June 2003 to December 2005, where he was responsible for global sourcing and marketing across the entire business group. Subsequently, he continued to work in the wholesale and retail sector, investing in several retail and service companies and promoting their European expansion. Prior to joining EDEKA, Mr. Hoerz held a central position with the METRO Group. From 1998 to 2002 he was CEO in charge of the extra consumer markets, and prior to that he spent several years on the Executive Board of METRO subsidiary Real,- GmbH. "Helmut Hoerz is an outstanding individual with extensive experience in the retail field. We are delighted that we have been able to secure his expertise for the Executive Management Committee of IFCO SYSTEMS”, commented Karl Pohler, CEO of IFCO SYSTEMS, on his new colleague on the board. "In the coming years, the market for reusable packaging systems will see strong growth in the retail sector. Reusable packaging systems are an economical solution in view of the ongoing globalization of retailing and, what’s more, they help to protect the environment. IFCO SYSTEMS is the global market leader in this area. Taking on executive responsibility here is an intriguing and exciting opportunity for me", said Helmut Hoerz of his new position at IFCO. About IFCO SYSTEMS IFCO SYSTEMS is an international logistics service provider with more than 180 locations worldwide. IFCO SYSTEMS operates a pool of more than 83 million RPCs (Reusable Plastic Containers) globally, which are used primarily to transport fresh produce from producers to leading grocery retailers. In the United States, IFCO SYSTEMS also provides a national network of Pallet Management Services. With over 100 million pallets sorted, repaired and reissued annually, IFCO SYSTEMS is the market leader in this industry. In fiscal year 2007, IFCO SYSTEMS generated revenues of USD 692.5 million.