Jacques Van Der Merwe

Jacques P. Van Der Merwe is a seasoned engineering and automation executive with over 15 years of experience in the 3PL and warehouse automation industry. Deep expertise in fulfilment operations, warehouse automation, and advanced technologies including AMRs, ASRS, WMS, sortation systems and GTP robotic systems. Adept at shaping strategic vision, optimizing operational performance, and establishing standardized playbooks that improve operational efficiencies.

Currently Head of Implementations for GXO responsible for implementing go-live operational support for large, complex automation projects in North American & Asia Pacific. Strong focus on WMS integration. GXO is $13Billon 3PL company with more than 1,000 warehouses worldwide and 200M sqft under contract management.

Previously Senior Vice-President for Engineering & Automation at Maersk North America, overseeing engineering design, project delivery, maintenance, and support across 175 warehouses, many of which are highly automated. Role focused on design, implementation and support of automation projects in North America.

Prior industry roles include working at Honeywell and Intelligrated, spearheading sales and development of material handling solutions for major clients like Amazon, Walmart, and PepsiCo. Co-founded AS/RS company in New Jersey.

Academic profile: Jacques holds a PhD in Informatics, an MBA (top of class), and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pretoria. His academic and professional journey reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and business acumen. Passionate about innovation – and learning about AI – Jacques thrives on leveraging technology to drive efficiency, scalability, and transformation in complex logistics environments.

Fun Facts: Volunteer Fire Fighter in Mountain Lakes (MLVFD), NJ. Climbed the highest 5 mountains in South Africa. Completed 1,000-miles in 24 hours Iron Butt Motorcycle Certification.