BIFA Reorganizes Team; New Roles for Jarza, Popovics, McKean
As a result of the retirement of David Stroud as BIFA’s policy and compliance adviser – Air, the trade association is reorganising its policy and compliance team.
David’s role is becoming the responsibility of Pawel Jarza, who is well known to many BIFA members as a result of his work in the Customs environment as frontier policy manager.
A graduate of the university of Wroclaw with a master’s degree in international Trade Relations, Jarza has over 20 years of experience in the logistics industry, mainly in Customs compliance-focused managerial roles.
Igor Popovics, is taking on full responsibility for Customs and frontier issues, as policy and compliance adviser – Customs.
He joined BIFA in 2022 from the London Chamber of Commerce, where he was export documents and customs declaration officer, and whilst primarily fulfilling a Customs role, he also has wide knowledge of Rules of Origin and Carnets.
Meanwhile, BIFA’s policy and compliance team has been strengthened by the promotion of Jamie McKean to policy adviser – Sustainable Logistics.
Jamie is a law graduate from the University of Reading and joined BIFA in 2023 as a management trainee. He will work closely with Mike Jones, policy & compliance adviser – sustainability & environment.
In 2023, BIFA established a policy group to help identify and report to the Association and its Members on environmental-related issues which may in the future have an impact upon their businesses or are already doing so.
Jamie’s promotion demonstrates the significance of this Sustainable Logistics policy group and the ever-increasing importance of the issues it addresses to the work of BIFA members.
They are at different stages of their journey in regard to the development of policy that addresses environmental and sustainability issues within the supply chains that they manage, and many are looking to BIFA for guidance and advice.
Bernardo Nunes Joins Chapman Freeborn Board
Bernardo Nunes has been appointed to the Board of Chapman Freeborn.
This follows his appointment as Chief Operating Officer in November last year after previously serving as Director of Transformation and Analytics for the air charterer, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the air cargo and finance industries.
“I am honoured to have been asked to join the board,” said Bernardo Nunes, Chief Operating Officer, Chapman Freeborn.
“Since rejoining Chapman Freeborn last year, I have worked closely with Eric and the board as we have continued our expansion into new markets and strengthened strategic leadership at all levels across the group.
“I look forward to continuing this work as a member of the board at this exciting moment for the business.”
Nunes will continue to serve in his current role, leading global operations across the Chapman Freeborn group, including Magma Aviation, Intradco Global, On Board Courier (OBC) and the Arcus Air Group.
“Bernardo is a valued member of the team, and I warmly welcome him to the board,” said Eric Erbacher, Chief Executive Officer, Chapman Freeborn.
“We look forward to working more closely with him as we home in on our 2030 vision, build on the long-term growth strategy, and prove Chapman Freeborn’s hard-earned reputation as the leading air charterer.”
Nunes’ appointment comes amid a broader recruitment drive at Chapman Freeborn, with an expansion of European cargo operations, a new Vice President of its Humanitarian and Government division in the Americas, and a 48 percent increase in the number of women in management positions across the group over the last year.
Duvenbeck appoints Chief Commercial Officer
Duvenbeck Group, a prominent logistics and forwarding firm headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, has announced the appointment of Marco Nazzari as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).
Nazzari, who brings over 30 years of executive leadership experience, is set to enhance the company’s commercial performance.
His extensive background includes senior roles in sales and operations at notable companies such as DP World, CEVA, and Crane World Wide.
In his new role, Nazzari will be instrumental in driving Duvenbeck Group’s commercial initiatives, focusing on growth and fostering collaboration across its diverse business lines.
Reporting directly to CEO Hakan Bicil, Nazzari’s leadership is expected to accelerate the company’s growth ambitions. Duvenbeck Group operates more than 40 business sites across 13 countries, offering services in freight forwarding, contract logistics, intermodal transport, and fulfillment.
Logistics UK Strengthens Board with Four New Directors
Logistics UK has strengthened the strategic development of its multimodal offering with the appointment of four new directors to the organisation’s non-executive board. Mark Grimshaw-Smith, Jamie Hartles, Professor Rem Noormohamed and James Wroath bring a wealth of experience to the organisation from across all sectors of the industry.
“Our new non-executive directors join Logistics UK at a key time for our sector,” says Phil Roe, the organisation’s President, “and bring a wide range of knowledge to help us drive the organisation on to the next stage of its development. With roles covering all modes of transport, as well as business change and digital transformation, they will complement the skills already in place on the board to ensure we are best placed to serve the needs of our members, and the industry as a whole, as it grows and develops. I am looking forward to the challenges and insight that they will bring to our thinking.”
Experience Matters
Mark Grimshaw-Smith, Head of Rail and Supply Chain for Cemex UK, brings more than 40 years of experience in the movement of heavy construction materials to his new role. He has operational and development experience in Europe and Mexico and currently leads on safety and best practice for Cemex EMEA for rail and water freight.
Meanwhile Professor Rem Noormohamed has extensive experience in technology, AI, data and intellectual property law, as well as in business change and digital transformation. He has worked closely with client boards and senior leadership teams on strategic and mission-critical issues and acts for supply chain and end-user organisations. Dual-qualified as a solicitor and professional IT and telecoms engineer, his clients include listed FTSE250 and NASDAQ companies, central government, the voluntary sector and multinationals.
Enhancing Business Resilience
With 18 years’ experience in third party logistics, Jamie Hartles is currently the Chief Executive Officer – Logistics at Howard Tenens. He is passionate about the use of state-of-the-art technology to enhance business resilience and minimise environmental impact of all logistics movements.
Appointed Wincanton CEO in 2019, James Wroath previously led LSG Sky Chefs’ North American division, and served Kuehne+Nagel as Senior VP.
An Addition to Organization’s Capabilities
Roe is excited about the strength that the new directors will add to the organisation’s capabilities: “As we reinforce Logistics UK’s position as the preeminent business group in our sector, these new board appointments will add a wealth of knowledge and experience to help prepare the organisation for its future challenges. I am looking forward to working with them, and adding their expertise and input to our development as the sector looks forwards to the challenges to come.”
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.
Chapman Freeborn Reports Rise in Women Management Roles
Chapman Freeborn has recently released data showing a 48 percent increase in the number of women employed in management positions over the last year, in addition to a nine percent increase in the number of women in the business.
Investing heavily in recruitment, training, and retention over the last year, Chapman Freeborn grew its total headcount by three percent overall.
“Chapman Freeborn has a culture that prioritises ability and performance over individual characteristics,” said Laura Smith, Senior UK HR Business Partner, Chapman Freeborn.
“We are working towards an even split of men and women, in contrast to the wider aviation industry where the balance is as disparate as 80-20, men to women.
“There is clearly still much more work to do, but at Chapman Freeborn we will continue bolstering and celebrating our colleagues, regardless of their gender identity.”
This follows Chapman Freeborn receiving the Best Full-Service Charter Company award at the Aviation Achievement Awards last month and earning recognition as Air Charter Broker of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Payload Asia Awards.
Chapman Freeborn Restructuring European Operations
Chapman Freeborn recently completed a strategic reorganization of its European cargo operations to strengthen its presence in traditional markets and expand into new industry verticals. As part of this restructure, James Gilliard has been appointed Vice President of Cargo Sales, and Markus Schmidt has taken on the role of Vice President of Cargo Commercial Operations. Both executives will report directly to Reto Hunziker, who continues as President of Europe.
James Gilliard emphasized the significance of this strategic shift, highlighting the company’s renewed focus on untapped markets, particularly within the energy and government sectors. He noted that the new structure positions Chapman Freeborn to effectively capture emerging opportunities while maintaining the high-quality service expected by customers.
Additionally, the company has appointed a general sales agent in Eastern Europe, a strategic move designed to solidify its market coverage across the European Union and diversify its sales base.
Markus Schmidt, previously responsible for cargo operations in the DACH region, expressed enthusiasm about leading the cargo charter brokerage team across Europe. He stated that the restructured team would engage more closely with customers, aligning with market trends and aggressively pursuing growth opportunities.
With over 45 years of combined experience in air cargo, Gilliard and Schmidt possess the expertise to navigate volatile market conditions effectively.
Reto Hunziker expressed confidence in their ability to drive Chapman Freeborn’s responsiveness and growth in the European market.
GEODIS Appoints Jean-Benoît as Group General Counsel
GEODIS, a global leader in transport and logistics, has announced the appointment of Jean-Benoît Devauges as Group General Counsel. In his new role, Devauges will become a member of the Group’s Management Board, chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS.
Additionally, he will join the Executive Board alongside Lombard and David-Olivier Tarac.
Devauges brings a wealth of experience to GEODIS, having held senior legal positions in various international organizations. He began his career at the renowned international arbitration firm Lazareff & Associés. In 2000, he transitioned to Renault’s legal department as a corporate lawyer, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
In 2006, he joined Nissan’s global legal department in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to Nissan North America in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2008.
In 2011, Renault appointed Devauges as deputy to the group general counsel, giving him responsibility for partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.
In 2017, Renault promoted Devauges to General Counsel, and in 2019, they also appointed him Secretary to the Board of Directors. Since 2023, he has served as General Counsel and Head of Legal Affairs, Ethics, and Corporate Governance at MEDEF, the French business confederation.
Devauges holds postgraduate diplomas in international business law from the University of Paris I and in E.U. law from the University of Paris II. He is admitted to practice law in France.
With his extensive legal and corporate experience, Devauges is set to play a key role in strengthening GEODIS’s governance and legal strategy as the company continues to expand its global reach.
Earlier in January 2025, GEODIS appointed Marc Vollet as Executive Vice-President of the company’s European Road Network Line of Business. He will also join the Group’s Management Board, chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS.
GEODIS is a leading worldwide provider of customized transportation, warehousing, global logistics, and supply chain solutions. With nearly 53,000 employees and a network covering close to 166 countries, GEODIS recorded €11.6 billion in revenue in 2023. Read more about GEODIS here.
Jettainer Appoints Fessler as Head of Cool ULD
Steffen Fessler is taking over as Head of Cool ULD at Jettainer. In his new role, he is responsible for the operations and ongoing development of cool&fly, the unique cool ULD management service of the company. The service for airlines comprises full cool ULD order management with full responsibility for the entire process, minimizing risks and costs. Jettainer manages around 12,000 cool ULDs every year.
In his previous position as Business Manager for Cargo Tools at Lufthansa Industry Solutions, Steffen Fessler was responsible for the implementation of various air cargo IT projects and already supported Jettainer in software development and infrastructure projects. In addition, Fessler gained extensive logistics expertise from his time at international building materials producer Puren, where he was heading the logistics department. He holds a master’s degree in Global Management & Governance.
Strong Background
“With his IT and logistics background, Steffen Fessler is the ideal candidate to consistently drive forward our service area of cool ULD management,” says Dr. Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, CEO of Jettainer. “The management of containers for temperature-sensitive goods is a highly complex process that requires absolutely precise and careful planning. We offer the world’s most efficient solution contributing significantly to our customers’ success which Steffen and his team will continue to improve technologically in the future.”
With cool&fly, Jettainer offers a one-stop-shop service that covers all processes of cool ULD leasing and management for its customers. As an intermediary between the airlines and the suppliers, Jettainer’s cool ULD experts take care of ordering, efficient and timely positioning to reduce demurrage costs, monitoring and proactive interventions in case of irregularities. To ensure the smooth running of the entire cool ULD management journey, Jettainer runs a dedicated temperature control excellence center in Abu Dhabi, that operates 24/7/365. Steffen Fessler will lead the center with his innovative digital mindset, driving the expansion of cool&fly’s service while enhancing state-of-the-art technology and processes.
Lee I’Ons Named New IMEA CEO at Hellmann Logistics
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is pleased to announce the appointment of Lee I’Ons as the new Regional CEO for the IMEA region and member of the International Executive Board, effective April 1, 2025.
He succeeds Madhav Kurup, who has successfully led the region since joining Hellmann in 2008 and was recently promoted to the Global Management Board as the COO for Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics.
A South African native, Lee I’Ons brings 30 years of logistics experience spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He began his career with a shipping agency in Durban before moving on to Kühne+Nagel, where he held various senior roles over the past 26 years, most recently serving as National Manager Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and President of Middle East, and Africa.
Accelerating growth within the IMEA region
In his new role at Hellmann, I’Ons will focus on accelerating growth within the IMEA region by leveraging his extensive connection to the region, its people, and markets. Together with his team I´Ons will build on the strong regional development of recent years, during which the IMEA region – now home to 2,000 employees across 14 countries and six vertical joint ventures – remains a vital growth driver for Hellmann. The region includes some of the fastest-growing markets such as India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as emerging opportunities across Africa.
“We are delighted to welcome Lee on board to lead such a strategically important geographical cluster. IMEA has been a driving force of innovation and growth for Hellmann over the past decades. While we are already market leaders in sectors like Automotive and Pharma, Lee´s leadership will be fundamental in building on the strong foundation laid by Madhav and his team as we pursue our expansion plans,” says Jens Drewes, CEO Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
Reflecting on his tenure, Madhav Kurup stated: “It has been a privilege to lead the IMEA region and work with such a talented team. I am confident that under Lee’s leadership, Hellmann will continue to innovate and expand its presence in this vital market and I look forward to supporting the company’s continued success in my role on the Global Management Board.”
About Hellmann
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a global logistics service provider with a comprehensive service portfolio that includes air- and seafreight, road and rail transport, and contract logistics. With annual sales of EUR 3.5 billion and over 12,000 employees in 57 countries, Hellmann moves over 20 million shipments annually. Based on this broad product range and many years of experience, Hellmann offers innovative logistics solutions for the complex requirements of each individual customer and relies on visionary technical products to ensure maximum customer transparency while creating a more efficient supply chain.
Swedavia Appoints New Director for Umeå Airport
Swedavia has selected Sofia Johansson for the position of airport director at Umeå Airport. Sofia most recently comes from the position of staff manager and purchasing manager at Skolfastigheter i Stockholm AB, within Stockholm’s municipal group. She replaces B-O Lindgren, who after many years as airport director has chosen to move on to another senior role within Swedavia Regional Airports.
“Of course, we are excited to welcome Sofia Johansson to Swedavia. Her broad expertise and experience will be a valuable addition to both Swedavia and Umeå Airport. I look forward to working together with Sofia to strengthen regional connectivity while working to transition to fossil-free aviation,” says Karin Öhrström, Director of Regional Airports at Swedavia.
“First and foremost, I look forward to getting to know the operation and taking advantage of all the skills that are currently in place. I also look forward to leading our operation in a direction that benefits Umeå and the region. I see the work that Umeå Airport does as a fantastic opportunity to be involved in ensuring that the industry and the region develop in a direction that can both open doors to new collaborations, while also contributing to the climate transition,” says Sofia Johansson, incoming airport director at Umeå Airport at Swedavia and continues:
“Umeå is a growing city and aviation serves as a hub in the region. I am excited and proud to be part of that journey and to be able to do it together with all the employees at the airport,” concludes Sofia Johansson.
Extensive Experience
Sofia has extensive experience leading operations through development phases, but also in working with growing cities. She comes from a role as staff manager and purchasing manager at Skolfastigheter in Stockholm AB, within the Stockholm municipal group.
Sofia Johansson will start her new position as airport director at Umeå Airport on 1 May.
The Swedavia Group owns, operates and is developing 10 airports throughout Sweden. Our role is to create the connectivity Sweden needs to facilitate travel, business and meetings. Safe, satisfied passengers are the foundation of Swedavia’s business. Swedavia is a world leader in developing airports with the least possible environmental impact. Since 2020, Swedavia’s own airport operations have been fossil-free at all ten airports. In 2023, the group had sales of approximately SEK 5.9 billion and has approximately 2,600 employees.
TrueNoord announces Florian van Vugt in new position of Corporate Finance Manager
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.”
