Specialist regional aircraft lessor, TrueNoord, has announced the appointment of aviation finance expert, Florian van Vugt, in the new role of Corporate Finance Manager.
Based at TrueNoord’s Amsterdam office, Van Vugt will manage debt structuring and refinancings as well as drive strategic initiatives to diversify the lessor’s funding base. He will also support the development of TrueNoord’s long-term relationships with financing providers including banks, institutional investors, capital market investors and rating agencies.
Van Vugt explains that it is TrueNoord’s forward-thinking approach and ambitious growth plans that attracted him to the Company. “Even before joining the team, TrueNoord made a strong impression on me as a dynamic and progressive business. Its fleet of turboprops and regional jets are essential for maintaining connectivity on thinner routes to remote communities or in challenging geographies. These aircraft also play a pivotal role in the broader network strategies of several long-haul carriers, making them indispensable to the aviation industry.”
With previous experience working in both aviation finance and strategy consulting in Europe and Asia, Van Vugt has a comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry’s financial and strategic dynamics. “I’m pleased to be joining TrueNoord at such a monumental time, with the team recently having acquired its 100th aircraft. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to evaluate debt terms in relation to acquisitions, sales, and lease transactions, bringing a dual focus on financial rigour and strategic foresight to the team.”
Paul Murphy, TrueNoord CFO, affirms that Van Vugt is a great match for TrueNoord. “We welcome Florian to the team, further strengthening our financial leadership. His appointment brings a wealth of both aviation and banking experience into the business through his proven track record of managing complex financial transactions. He will be a great asset in driving TrueNoord’s continued growth and success.”
Jettainer sets course for a digital future and appoints Stefanie Pauly as Chief Information and Technology Officer. With this newly created position, Jettainer underlines its strategic focus on innovation, digitalization and technology to continue offering its customers the best services and to further strengthen its role as a global market leader.
Stefanie Pauly, who has more than ten years of experience in managing IT projects and process optimization in the air cargo industry, will be responsible for Jettainer’s innovation strategy. In her new role, she will work with Jettainer’s IT team to develop and refine innovations to continuously optimize processes and improve service quality. A particular focus will be on customer-centric software development.
“As new technologies become available, customers are rightly expecting digital solutions for seamless collaboration and greater transparency and efficiency in the supply chain. With Stefanie Pauly, we are gaining a highly competent leader who will continue to drive these topics forward for us,” said Dr Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, CEO of Jettainer. “We are looking forward to shaping the future of ULD management with her know-how and creativity. Her extensive experience and commitment to pioneering solutions make her the ideal candidate for this important position.”
Prior to joining Jettainer, Stefanie Pauly held various positions at Lufthansa Cargo, where she successfully managed digitalization, process optimization and innovation development projects over the past ten years. As Senior Manager Supply Chain Optimization and Strategy, she was in charge of the “Airmail IT” project and drove the digitalization of the cargo airline’s global handling processes. As Senior IT Project Manager, she was also responsible for the implementation and rollout of new production planning software at the Frankfurt hub. Most recently, she was Head of Fulfillment Framework.
Global air and travel services provider dnata has announced the promotion of Guillaume Crozier to Chief Cargo Officer. Based in the UAE, Crozier brings over 20 years of experience in the cargo and logistics industry and has been with dnata for over 13 years.
Previous Roles and Achievements
Before his new role, Crozier served as Senior Vice President, Cargo, UAE, and Head of Global Cargo Strategy for over three years. He led the strategic direction, growth, and transformation of dnata’s cargo business, overseeing a team of over 3,000 employees. He has also held various operations management positions within the company and served as Chief Operating Officer of dnata Switzerland.
Strategic Vision
Crozier is also a board member at dnata Logistics and Wallenborn Middle East Logistics. His appointment aligns with dnata’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence. Earlier this year, dnata appointed Clive Sauvé-Hopkins as Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, overseeing global ground handling and cargo business at 97 airports in 16 countries.
Sustainability Initiatives
Last month, dnata became the first ground handler in Europe to receive IATA environmental management certification in recognition of its sustainability initiatives. The company also received its first Cargo iQ certification, emphasizing continuous reporting and transparency across its network.
Leadership Transition
David Barker, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations, expressed his confidence in Crozier’s leadership: “I’m delighted to announce the promotion of Guillaume to Chief Cargo Officer. A customer-oriented leader with an innovative mindset, Guillaume has an outstanding ability to deliver world-class service, quality, and safety with his teams.”
Barker also acknowledged the contributions of Bernd Struck, who previously led dnata’s UAE cargo operations and DWC airline services and will retire at the end of the year. “I’d like to thank Bernd for his substantial contribution to dnata’s success and wish him a happy retirement,” Barker said.
Looking Ahead
Crozier’s promotion is expected to further enhance dnata’s cargo operations and strengthen its position as a leading global air and travel services provider.
Chapman Freeborn has appointed Linas Dovydenas, President, India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) as it continues to expand its presence in the region.
Dovydenas previously spent 16 years at Chapman Freeborn’s parent company , Avia Solutions Group, in both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Commercial Officer roles before joining the charter broker in 2022.
“From 2007 until 2023 Linas played an integral part in almost all of Avia Solutions Group’s group companies’ development and geographical expansion, so he is exceptionally placed to step into the role of President, IMEA, at Chapman Freeborn and turn his attention to accelerating our growth in the region,” Said Eric Erbacher, Group CEO, Chapman Freeborn.
Prior to the appointment, which takes immediate effect, Dovydenas was Executive VP, ACMI Leasing, Chapman Freeborn.
“I look forward to working with the IMEA team and driving growth throughout the region,” said Dovydenas.
“Chapman Freeborn is an exceptional company, and it will be a privilege to oversee further expansion at such an exciting time in the industry.”
Earlier this month Chapman Freeborn appointed Bernardo Nunes, Chief Operating Officer, Chapman Freeborn Group.
The Duvenbeck Group welcomes Christian Seidl as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the north/west region.
He is responsible for the operating business in the Road and Contract Logistics divisions in this new position.
Christian Seidl can look back on a great deal of experience during his 35-year career in the sector. Among other things, Mr Seidl has held management positions at Ceva, Dachser, Imperial (now DP World) and Schnellecke during his career.
The graduate in business management, who has a great deal of expertise in the fields of contract, road and automotive logistics, will report directly to Hakan Bicil, the CEO of the Duvenbeck Group.
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that Adrien Thominet has been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors filling the seat for a Global GSA.
Adrien Thominet brings diverse experience and knowledge begininning at the start of his career where he worked as Commercial Director at FICOFI, a luxury brand promoting Bordeaux ‘grands crus’ fine wines globally. Adrien then worked for UniFrance Film in Tokyo where he managed the Yokohama Film Festival. Adrien joined the air cargo industry in 1995 as Commercial Manager for ECS Group and continued on a path to Chief Operating Officer in 2011.
“The Board is very purposeful when selecting new Board members as we must have a clear representation across the industry to ensure all issues our industry is facing are addressed. Adrien Thominet is a great leader who has had plenty of experience at a leading global GSSA. We look forward to working with him and we are sure he will have plenty to contribute.” Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair
Adrien fills the seat vacated by Bertrand Schmolls who served for five years and played an amazing role in helping steer TIACA through the transformation process. Bertrand was recognized for his Board contributions during the annual Board dinner. The association currently has a Board seat open for a representative from the Shipping category. Additional seats may become available as current Board terms end. Should any TIACA Trustee’s be interested in serving on the Board in the future, please reach out to the Secretariat.
Trans Global Projects (TGP) has appointed Panos Patsadas as Global Chartering Manager.
Patsadas brings over 17 years of international shipping experience to the role, further strengthening TGP’s capabilities across key shipping sectors including breakbulk, heavy lift, and dry bulk.
“His deep understanding of the global shipping market and proven leadership make Panos Patsadas a perfect fit for our team,” said Colin Charnock, Chief Executive Officer, TGP.
“We are confident that he will drive forward our chartering division worldwide, further positioning TGP as a leader in the project logistics industry.”
Patsadas’ appointment is part of TGP’s wider strategy to expand operations following the appointment of a new BENELUX Head of Operations (Edwin van Leth), and several appointments to its team in Bremen, Germany.
“TGP’s strong industry reputation, combined with its commitment to innovation and excellence, makes this a unique opportunity,” said Patsadas.
“I look forward to collaborating with the team and contributing to the company’s continued success.”
Patsadas holds a master’s degree in International Trade and Transport from London Metropolitan University, where he was awarded the Galbraith’s Award, and a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of St. Andrews.
Steven Verhasselt spent 20 years turning Liege Airport from a small regional airport into a cargo juggernaut, handling two-thirds of all European Air Freight.
Now the 52-year-old will be helping to steer Teesside’s cargo operation in a huge coup for one of the country’s newest Border Control Points (BCPs).
The Belgian national travels the globe speaking to contacts and clients in developing freight with his firm FB Cargo Strategy.
Steven said he spent the first four years putting in the groundwork at Liege to make it the powerhouse it is today.
He said: “It took a while, but it came good after we’d put the work in.
“We got perishables through Ethiopia, E-Commerce, and worked through Hong Kong and China. We offered a unique selling proposal by using our ingenuity around existing legislation.”
Steven’s background was in seed capital and venture capital before he made a move into aviation.
Within a decade, he’d built up a big bank of contacts – and he revealed what he loved most about his work in airfreight.
“What I like is on one hand, it’s really a global business but on the other it’s relatively small – meaning within ten years you knew everybody,” he said.
“There’s also a challenge with passenger travel at an airport. It means we have to be inventive in developing routes when compared to passenger travel. Every cargo route development is like its own mini-project – you have to be much more inventive.
“If I have a flight coming from Africa full of flowers and vegetables into the UK, the flowers are going to be sold and the vegetables are eaten.
“Passengers arrive at an airport and go home or to a hotel. Cargo can arrive – but if nobody deals with it, it can sit at an airport for years.
“Running cargo is much more than just running airside operations. It’s about customs, licence checks, border control, taking cargo to its final destination. That’s what makes it interesting.”
Teesside’s £2.5million state-of-the-art cargo facility has gone from strength to strength since it opened for business, and its status as one of the country’s newest BCPs means it can handle flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Linked by the A1(M) and A66 nearby, and the East Coast Mainline, in Darlington, the Airport’s freight facility is ideally placed in the heart of Britain to make the most of road and rail links. It can serve some 95% of the country’s businesses in just six hours.
Teesside also offers benefits as a customs zone as part of the Teesside Freeport.
This year saw FedEx, the world’s largest transportation company, sign a five-year deal with Teesside for an airfreight handling facility to meet growing demand – with eight additional inbound and outbound flights a week.
When it came to the wider opportunities in airfreight, Steven explained there were plenty to be had.
He added: “The potential for cargo is as it’s always been.
“Resources tend to go to passenger services – that’s seen as more important to an airport’s stakeholders.
“In certain airports, cargo is pushed on site. But when you see what is happening in UK, you see very few flights for cargo in London airports. For cargo, if organised, Teesside is definitely a competitor.
“You can compete on speed and compete on reliability – that’s the benefit of a regional airport. Speed is important but in certain areas, such as automotive freight, reliability is key.
“The market offer in Northern England is under-developed and there may well be an opportunity there. You’ve also got Brexit which hasn’t quite been digested – companies are still working it out and there are logistic challenges so there are opportunities there.
“I see the potential to develop some very sustainable long-term successes – be it Africa with perishables, business in the US, and maybe Asia with stopovers.”
However, as his experience building Liege showed, Steven explained how expanding Teesside’s cargo operations would require patience.
“You also need to be wise where we position ourselves – we’re not going to be landing 747s,” he added.
“It’s a challenge and it’s going to take time, but there are always opportunities in the short term – just look at the port strike on the US East Coast.
“We are going to get the groundwork done and position ourselves – but we’re also going to look at the short-term opportunities as well. That’s the balance in the whole approach.
“The key is to be on top of it.”
Steven will be supported by doyen of cargo and colleague at FB Cargo Strategy, Koen Servaes, who has 38 years of aviation experience under his belt.
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, was delighted to welcome the pair aboard as part of the agreement.
He said: “Having Steven and Koen boosting our team is a huge coup for us. Both are giants in the cargo industry – and what they’ve done throughout their careers is testament to the hard work, contacts and talent they have.
“To have access to their vast knowledge and expertise is invaluable and we’re delighted they’ve seen our potential and come on board.
“Our cargo operation means we’re perfectly placed for distribution, our Business Park is growing, and we’ve put the building blocks in place to welcome more firms to our site to reap the benefits of our customs zone.
“It’ll take time, but this is a huge boost to our efforts to make Teesside an economic engine for our region and put us firmly on the airfreight map.”
Forward Air Corporation has appointed Jerome Lorrain to its Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2024.
Lorrain brings over 30 years of experience in logistics and transportation, having previously served as COO of CEVA Logistics. He is also a director at Log-Hub and Executive Chairman of FluentCargo.
George Mayes, Independent Chairman of the Board, commented on Lorrain’s appointment: “Jerome’s extensive expertise in the logistics sector will be invaluable as we continue our integration and transformation journey. His insights will benefit our team of over 7,000 employees as we build on the platform established through our Omni transaction.”
Forward Air also announced the departure of R. Craig Carlock from the Board, effective October 15, 2024, as part of its commitment to board refreshment. “We are grateful for Craig’s contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Mayes added.
Following these changes, Forward Air’s Board will consist of twelve directors, with eleven being independent and seven appointed post-Omni transaction.
Marissa Sanchez has been appointed as the Chief Capital Development Officer for Ontario International Airport (ONT), where she will oversee all planning, design, and construction efforts aimed at enhancing infrastructure and improving the passenger experience.
Sanchez joins the rapidly growing Southern California airport with extensive expertise in project management, facilities maintenance, grant and contract administration, and community relations. Previously, she spent 11 years at the City of Dallas, serving as Assistant Director in the Infrastructure & Development Department of Aviation. There, she managed a $450 million capital budget and played a significant role in the development of airside, terminal, and land-side projects.
In addition to her role in infrastructure, Sanchez was also the Assistant Director of Internal Services in the Department of Aviation, where she contributed to the development and execution of the Dallas Executive Airport and the downtown Dallas heliport.
Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, welcomed Sanchez, stating, “Her experience in managing major aviation projects makes her an ideal fit to help ONT meet the needs of this vibrant and dynamic region we serve.”
Sanchez expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “I look forward to implementing great projects to help facilitate travel and safety for our passengers, employees, and community.”
She holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from Dallas Baptist University. As a mother of three daughters and a proud owner of three German shepherds, Sanchez enjoys traveling with her husband, and they are excited to explore their new home state of California.
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