As we learned by chance from a UPS courier driver just a few days ago, the 65-year-old, long-time UPS manager passed away on 12JUL21. With the Illinois, USA-born manager, the integrator has lost an outstanding character who was extremely popular among the group's employees thanks to his strong communication skills and cordiality.
“Frank, are you available for a somewhat unusual interview?” I asked him about 5 years ago, on the occasion of a meeting at the Berlin Congress of the leading German industry association, “Bundesvereinigung Logistik” (BVL). He immediately gave me the thumbs up. Five minutes later; we were sitting in the back of a huge Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, chartered for the interview by Lufthansa Cargo subsidiary, Jettainer. Chauffeured by a white-gloved professional driver, we drove for about an hour; criss-crossing the German capital until even the last question had been answered by him.
Huge loss
Why this example? Because it characterises the kind of person Frank Sportolari was. He was always approachable, usually had time for us media representatives, treated us very respectfully, was
extremely humorous, always very well informed, and was not sparing in his criticism of the industry when he felt there was cause to do so, though always maintained loyalty to his employer. This
impression is confirmed by Georg Leusch, UPS Labor Director for the European hub Cologne/Bonn of UPS and the neighbouring region: "Frank's death is a great loss for all of us. He was
extremely appreciated by the employees, whether they were members of the management, in administration, or courier drivers. He was a guy you could touch. Once he interrupted a meeting especially
because he wanted to personally wish a staff member a happy birthday. 'This has priority,' were his words."
Impressive professional career
Born in Chicago in 1956, and a resident of Germany for 24 years, Frank, who has a degree in economics, held various positions in Europe, mostly for UPS in Germany and Italy, the country of origin
of his ancestors. In September 2011, Frank took over the position of President UPS Germany (Germany District Manager) and was then responsible for UPS activities in Germany. Since 2018, UPS
Austria became part of his area of responsibility, as did UPS Switzerland in 2019. In March 2021, he became Senior Advisor Transformation for the UPS Europe Region, after handing over the
position of Germany President to his successor, Frank Joergensen, his former Operations Manager. In May 2018, he was also appointed President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany. In
addition, he held other positions in industry and business associations, for example as a member of the advisory board of the German Logistics Association (BVL).
“Frank was innovative, and his team did great things,” reads an obituary by the association. “He was always a good advisor and a committed networker. No matter whether it was about getting a
protagonist for transatlantic relations for a fireside chat, or for a major event.”
More efforts on climate protection, he demanded
Frank Sportolari will also be remembered by the members of the Air Cargo Club Deutschland (ACD). At a meeting of the organization on 15 December 2020, for example, he called on express companies
and the entire transport industry to make significantly greater efforts in climate protection. For UPS, this means, for example, increasing the use of alternative fuels, transporting shipments by
drones on the last mile, and developing new, climate-neutral urban delivery concepts, he said.
He was unable to personally experience the implementation of most of these demands in practice. Frank Sportolari, who held both American and Italian citizenship, lived in Düsseldorf with his wife
and 4 of his 6 children.
Heiner Siegmund
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Michael Henrickson (Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:51)
Frank was a childhood friend. We had many good times together going to Chicago White Sox and Chicago Black Hawks games. I knew from the day I met him he was extremely intelligent and respected his opinions. He kept me away from drugs and once told me I could do anything I put my mind to as long as I kept focused and determined. He had a great analogy for success, “You have to be like a bomber pilot. Just as people and events try to discourage your success, flack too goes off all around the bomber pilot, but he stays focused on the target. Just stay
focused on your goal-the target.” It was great advice from a truly great guy.
He could be tremendously funny as well. Once I was driving and made a stupid move turning left in front of an oncoming car. The car honked loud and long at me after swerving to avoid collision. Frank said, “What’s he complaining about, he missed us didn’t he.”
I just learned of Frank’s passing and feel an indescribable emptiness. He was a loyal friend. The world is a lessor place without Frank Sportolari. I want to go to heaven to be with Frank once again.