Global aviation services group and charter specialist Air Partner has appointed Oliver Giesen as head of onboard courier (OBC) – global.
Giesen will be responsible for identifying opportunities to drive the growth of Air Partner’s OBC division, focusing on the aerospace, automotive, fashion and pharmaceutical industries.
He will be based in his home country of Germany, which is a prominent manufacturing hub in Europe and conveniently located for US- and Asia-bound delivery services.
Giesen’s appointment is part of Air Partner’s investment in the growth of OBC delivery to enhance its time-critical services.
Pierre Van Der Stichele, vice president of global charter, said: “There are huge untapped opportunities for OBC services to fulfil, from high net-worth individuals and fashion houses to financial institutions and car manufacturers.
“Door-to-door OBC services are of growing importance to those for whom safe and urgent delivery, by hand, of items is critical, such as sensitive documents, parts for cars to meet manufacturing deadlines, and last-minute additions to the catwalk at global fashion shows.
“Oliver brings a wealth of industry experience to Air Partner with an extensive background spanning logistics, supply chain visibility and operations. With over a decade’s experience in roles at NEO Air Charter GmbH and Chapman Freeborn Airchartering, Oliver refined his expertise in logistics operations and business development. After delving into supply chain visibility for over two years, Oliver now returns to logistics, leading Air Partner’s OBC division.”
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has appointed six new members to its board of directors.
These board members include Jannie Davel, senior vice president of MSC Air Cargo; Martin Drew, chief strategy and transformation officer at Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings; and Avianca Cargo senior vice president Diogo Elias.
Also joining are Dirk Goovaerts, chief executive of Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa at Swissport International; Boon Kiam Kuah, senior vice president, cargo services at SATS; and UPS director of industry affairs Nichole Schulz.
TIACA director general Glyn Hughes said the new board members are joining at a busy time for the organisation.
“2024 is a critical year for TIACA and having strong leadership in place is vital to the association as we continue to grow and invest in programs that support the industry such as BlueSky, Invest in Climate Action and the Air Cargo Training Library,” he said.
“The team is also actively planning for the latest edition of Air Cargo Forum, November 11-14 in Miami which is expected to draw 4,000-5,000.
“Additionally, the Board has tasked the Secretariat to continue to expand other TIACA programmes that tackle industry challenges through a united voice to enhance a safe, efficient and robust air cargo industry, designed to meet the needs of today whilst anticipating the needs of tomorrow.”
The association added that it currently has a full board seat allocation with one vacancy as it has reserved a seat for a representative of the shipper community, but additional seats may become available as current board terms end.
In February, TIACA launched a ‘Climate Action Platform’ carbon-offsetting programme to help smaller companies invest in reducing their impact on the climate.
ULD management specialist Jettainer has appointed Gert Pfeifer as general manager Europe, effective April 1.
Pfeifer joined Jettainer 15 years ago and has held a variety of leadership roles in IT and operations. Most recently, he held the position of head of operational excellence supply chain and was responsible for areas including fleet management, ULD engineering, the repair and maintenance processes and new customer integration.
He also played a key role in the development of digital twins, virtual images of real ULDs, to identify any additional potential for improvement from the very first to the final use of containers and pallets.
Pfeifer’s new responsibilities include developing and implementing a regional sales and operations strategy for Europe to enhance and ensure the market always driven and reliable ULD management service.
He and his teams will handle all aspects of customer relations in the region, including sales, operations, and customer service, reinforcing Jettainer’s dedication to excellence in serving its customers.
“Our new structure is designed to reflect the specific customer needs and market situations in the various regions. It brings us closer to our customers, which subsequently benefits our entire global customer network,” said Thomas Sonntag, Jettainer’s chief executive.
“Thanks to his many years with the company, particularly as Head of Operational Excellence Supply Chain, Dr Gert Pfeifer has in-depth knowledge of the ULD market and our customers’ requirements and has all the skills needed to drive Jettainer’s growth in Europe.”
This position is part and parcel of Jettainer’s strategic reorganisation in order to respond optimally to regional market trends and needs.
Last month, Jettainer appointed its chief sales officer Thorsten Riekert as chief commercial officer.
DHL eCommerce has appointed Stuart Hill as UK CEO. Hill will lead the company through the next growth phase and oversee the opening of the company’s second hub in Coventry later this year. He takes over from Peter Fuller, who is retiring after three decades in the industry.
Hill will report to Pablo Ciano, Global CEO of DHL eCommerce: “We’re excited to have Stuart lead the UK operation as we ramp up for significant growth through the opening of our second hub.
Stuart has a deep understanding of the eCommerce landscape, and the retailer perspective he brings will be invaluable in ensuring we hone our offering to the specific needs of our customers.”3
Bringing significant eCommerce experience to the role, Hill has spent over two decades in retail logistics. Most recently, he was the COO at luxury fashion site Matches Fashion UK and has held senior operational roles with retailers including John Lewis, ASOS and Farfetch. In 2012, he co-founded an international delivery and returns company, wnDirect.
Hill says: “Drawing on over two decades as a loyal DHL customer, I am honoured to now contribute from within and continue the great work at DHL eCommerce UK. I look forward to re-engaging with the world of parcel delivery in a company recognised for its unparalleled breadth and scale as we forge ahead with expansion.”
Peter Fuller is retiring after seven years as CEO. During this time, he managed the integration of UK Mail into DHL and re-established the DHL brand as a primary domestic carrier in the UK.
Pablo Ciano continues: “Peter has been instrumental in establishing DHL eCommerce as a domestic powerhouse in the UK. He led a highly successful integration following the acquisition of UK Mail and established a whole new branch of the DHL family in the UK. Since then, he has put the business on a strong footing for future growth. We wish him the very best for his retirement.”
Jettainer, the global leader in unit load device (ULD) management, has appointed Thorsten Riekert as Chief Commercial Officer. In this newly created position, the distinguished Jettainer management team member with in-depth aviation industry knowledge will be responsible for Jettainer’s commercial strategy to advance the company’s global growth trajectory.
The appointment of Thorsten Riekert to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) is integral to Jettainer’s strategic reorganisation. This new organisation emphasises the company’s commitment to customer centricity, future readiness and market leadership. The first measure was to set up a structure with General Managers to facilitate direct customer relationships in the regions, respond to their specific needs and oversee sales and operational activities.
General Managers in the Americas and the Middle East & Africa region have already been established, and APAC and Europe are set to follow. The new CCO setup with Riekert in charge will further enhance Jettainer’s operational efficiency and ensure that regional activities align closely with the company’s commercial strategy.
In addition, Riekert will continue to drive the development of Jettainer’s flagship ULD management solution, “ULD Select”. “Thorsten Riekert has played a central role in Jettainer’s management team, demonstrating outstanding commitment and profound aviation and market knowledge”, remarked Thomas Sonntag, CEO of Jettainer.
“His contributions have significantly enriched our global network and product portfolio. In his new role as CCO, his expertise will be of high value as we continue to expand our presence and strengthen our market position.”
Thorsten Riekert joined Jettainer in 2015. In his time with the company, he played a pivotal role in expanding Jettainer’s extensive customer network and product offering of market leading ULD management solutions. Before joining Jettainer, he held various impactful positions within the Lufthansa Group, where he strengthened his skills and expertise in sales and management.
Raphaël Sanchez is appointed President of Generix Group, succeeding Aïda Collette-Sène, focusing on accelerating growth and innovation in the cloud (SaaS).
MOIn a market energised by the AI revolution; Generix Group aims to solidify its position as a leading global player in the cloud market (SaaS). The company aims to empower businesses of all sizes to digitise supply chain and finance processes and connect customers and suppliers, placing data at the core of flow management.
Raphaël Sanchez, the Chief Revenue Officer since April 2023, succeeds Aïda Collette-Sène, who remains a shareholder. “Aïda Collette-Sène’s efforts since 2018, particularly during her presidency in 2022, provided Generix with the human and financial resources for its transformation and international development. With the transformation foundation set, we can launch the cloud (SaaS) acceleration phase, building upon the work already done. We thank Aïda for her invaluable contribution to the company’s success in recent years. We are confident that Raphaël Sanchez will bring the strategic vision and leadership needed for the company to succeed in its new phase of growth and innovation,” emphasises Montefiore Investment and Pléiade Investissement, alongside Generix Group management.
Supported by the Executive Committee, all employees and partners, the new President will lead this development phase, anchoring the cloud and AI at the core of digital applications and technologies. The go-to-market strategy aims to facilitate the transition of existing and future clients to the cloud (SaaS) and provide a personalised customer experience throughout the value chain. Geographical expansion will also continue to support clients wherever they operate.
“I am honoured by the mission entrusted to me to renew our portfolio of applications and technologies with the cloud (SaaS), enabling each of our clients to address the challenges and opportunities of the ongoing revolution sustainably better. This new chapter promises to be exciting and, I am convinced, will fuel the growth of our clients, partners, and Generix Group for the years to come,” states Raphaël Sanchez.
Raphaël Sanchez, joined the Generix Group Executive Committee in April 2023 as Chief Revenue Officer, tasked with rethinking the group’s go-to-market strategy and accelerating its international growth. He played a crucial role in external growth operations and led the implementation of a strong partner strategy. Previously, he worked at IBM France in the Data and BI domains, eventually heading IBM Software Group France sales and later IBM Global Technology Infrastructure Services France. In 2020, Raphaël led the separation of the services entity in France with the creation of Kyndryl.
Neutral Air Partner appoints seasoned aviation executive Ralph van Eijk as Head of GSSA Network and Airline Development.
Ralph is an accomplished executive with two decades of experience in the Aviation Cargo Industry. Over the years, he has served in various positions for multiple airlines, including Korean Air Cargo, Finnair, and Saudia Cargo. Progressing from a loadmaster on a B747F to roles such as Corporate Sales Manager and Cargo Manager, Ralph has amassed extensive experience in key markets spanning Western Europe, the Middle East, North-South America, and Asia Pacific.
From 2017 to 2021, he held the position of Commercial Director at the esteemed GSSA – IAS Inter Aviation Services, with offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. In February 2021, Ralph established his own interim management and consultancy company, named Chéváro, after his two sons, Ché and Alváro.
NAV is a global network of leading and independent cargo GSSAs, airline brokers and solutions providers, committed to delivering innovative cargo services to the aviation & logistics community.
NAV is powered by Neutral Air Partner (NAP) – the premier ecosystem of leading air cargo architects & aviation logistics specialists dedicated to providing innovative cargo solutions to the global air cargo supply chain.
Christos Spyrou, NAP CEO & Founder said: “Following the philosophy that permeates the entire NAP ecosystem of networks, NAV equips its partners with a platform and the tools to engage with like-minded professionals who share the same passion for the cargo GSSA & brokerage business.
“I view Ralph’s appointment as an excellent opportunity and a significant step forward for the future of our SME Cargo GSSA and aviation community.
With Ralph’s network and capabilities to connect the right products and persons within the Air Cargo Industry, we can deliver a unique value proposition for our members. Our key objective is to partner with our GSSA members and set new standards of excellence by jointly developing new total cargo management products and delivering innovative cargo solutions to the aviation and logistics community.
“Our goal is to empower members to seamlessly, efficiently, profitably, and sustainably scale air cargo trade capacity.”
Ralph van Eijk added: “My assignment with NAV expands the current network of independent GSSAs around the world. As we are already involved with some outstanding GSSA partners in different regions, we can offer airlines the quality they are looking for, an all-encompassing contact who will bring the best for both worlds. We can deliver innovative services to the Air Cargo Community, providing strategic regional solutions and strengthening partnerships to empower all the members.”
ULD specialist ACL Airshop has appointed Bernhard Kindelbacher as chief executive as of March 1.
Current chief executive Steve Townes will continue serving the company in an advisory role as vice chairman, said ACL Airshop.
Kindelbacher’s background encompasses air cargo leadership, logistics management, business development & strategy, global operations, and full enterprise general management, stemming from his 30-year plus career with Lufthansa Cargo.
At Lufthansa, he was most recently managing director for all cargo operations in the US and Canada. In his Lufthansa career he has previously held roles such as senior vice president strategy & business development as well as senior vice president network, product & marketing.
He was also responsible for creating the first worldwide cargo joint ventures with ANA, United Cargo and Cathay Pacific, said ACL Airshop.
Kindelbacher said: “ACL Airshop is a successful worldwide entrepreneurial team of air cargo and logistics experts with a strong high-performance culture. I am delighted to join this professional enterprise, to lead it forward in its next stage of growth and strategic development.
“We will build momentum and take very good care of our customers and our employees. I am very happy to become part of the ACL Airshop team.”
Reflecting on the progress of ACL Airshop, Townes said: “Bernhard is the right leader for this next chapter of ACL Airshop, with deep professional roots and impeccable expertise in the global air cargo sector.”
ACL Airshop owns, maintains and leases more than 74,000 ULDs, including airfreight pallets and containers, issued from 57 airport hub locations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America.
Freight forwarder Unsworth has appointed Thomas Kuehn as managing director of its UK business as the current incumbent, Richard Hogg, steps up to become group chief executive.
Kuehn joins from World Transport Agency where he has been managing director for almost a decade.
He also spent ten years at JE Bernard as a global key account director and was a director at Kuehne+Nagel.
Kuehn said: “My vision for the future of freight forwarding aligns perfectly with Unsworth’s demonstrable investment in technological innovation and business processes, proven commitment to client satisfaction and the promotion of a culture of continuous improvement.
“Technology has been a huge enabler of the company’s growth and will continue to be so. In my new role, I see a tremendous opportunity to further leverage data and technological solutions to better serve our customers; and differentiate us from our competition.”
Unsworth group chief executive Richard Hogg added: “In a landmark year for the company, this appointment is part of our ongoing strategy to strengthen our senior management team and capabilities to ensure that we can meet our expansion goals in the UK and overseas.”
The Cargo Airline Association (CAA) in the US has named Brianna Manzelli as managing director for legislative policy.
Manzelli brings 10 years of experience working in US Congress and the Administration on key aviation initiatives.
She joins the trade association from US senator Mitt Romney’s office, where she served as senior advisor and communications director, advising on major policy initiatives including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In her new role, Manzelli will be responsible for leading legislative policy on a broad range of issues for the air cargo industry and representing CAA members before the US Congress and other government agencies.
She will work closely with CAA members to advance legislative priorities that aim to ensure the safety, security, efficiency, and resiliency of the sector.
“Brianna brings tremendous experience and a diverse professional network on Capitol Hill, in government agencies and across the industry,” said Lauren Beyer, CAA president. “She has a proven record of working collaboratively across stakeholders and will be a great value to CAA’s members.”
“At a time when air cargo plays an increasingly important role in the global economy, I am excited to join the CAA team and build on the organization’s government affairs efforts,” said Manzelli.
“I look forward to bringing my government experience and industry knowledge to bear on the issues critical to the association and ensure its members’ voices are heard in Washington.”
Before joining Senator Romney, Manzelli served as assistant administrator for communications at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where she helped lead the agency’s communications and policy strategy on issues including the Boeing 737 MAX recertification and the COVID-19 pandemic.
She served as senior advisor to the FAA administrator in addition to being the agency’s chief spokesperson.
Prior to the FAA, Brianna held positions at the US Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee under chairmen Roger Wicker and John Thune.
At the Committee, she worked on aviation issues including the 2018 FAA reauthorization and the response to the Boeing 737 MAX crashes and grounding.
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