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.
DHL Express has appointed Andy Chiang as the managing director for its Hong Kong and Macau business.
Chiang is tasked with strengthening DHL Express’ position in the two locations.
He is currently head of global strategic finance at the company and has a total of 30 years of experience in various country and regional roles at DHL Express.
Chiang started as chief accounting manager in DHL Express Hong Kong and, from 1992 onwards, took on several country and regional financial roles.
In 2005, he was appointed country chief financial officer in DHL Express China before moving to a regional role as vice president, finance control, for DHL Express Asia Pacific in 2011 before landing his latest finance role in 2019.
He succeeds Ng Chee Choong, who assumes the role of managing director for DHL Express Taiwan.
Ken Lee, chief executive for Asia Pacific, DHL Express, said: “It is my great pleasure to welcome Andy Chiang to drive the future of DHL in Hong Kong and Macau.
“With his strong track record within the network and expertise in finance, I am confident that DHL Express will continue to grow tremendously while further solidifying its status as the region’s express delivery and logistics leader.”
Swissport has appointed Frank Dobbelsteijn as global head of operations, as of January 2024.
Dobbelsteijn has over 30 years of experience in the aviation and logistics sectors in Europe and the US.
He will be responsible for aligning the company’s operational priorities with its overall strategic goals, ensuring consistent service delivery and safe operations.
Dobbelsteijn was formerly vice president for the Heathrow operation of Menzies Aviation for four and a half years.
He has also previously served the company as vice president US West Coast and vice president Los Angeles, start-up project manager Europe and general manager low-cost division Amsterdam.
Dobbelsteijn has also previously worked as senior station manager at Amazon in Los Angeles, where he oversaw the company’s third-largest US distribution centre.
Dobbelsteijn succeeds Richard Male, who has served as Swissport’s interim director of global operations since April and recently decided to accept a job offer outside of the company.
“We are delighted to welcome Frank Dobbelsteijn aboard as global head of operations,” said Warwick Brady, president and chief executive of Swissport International AG.
“With his vast experience in airport ground operations and the logistics sector, Frank is ideally prepared to take Swissport’s service delivery to the next level in terms of safety, reliability, customer centricity and consistent operational excellence.”
Former Qatar Airways chief cargo officer Guillaume Halleux joined Swissport as chief commercial officer in September last year.
DHL Express has appointed new regional chief executives for its Europe and Americas businesses.
Current Americas chief executive Mike Parra will take on the role in Europe while current Canada chief executive Andrew Williams has been appointed to the Americas role.
Both will report to DHL Express chief executive John Pearson.
Parra has been Americas chief executive since 2016 and has led the regional business to double in size in terms of revenues and added more than 12,000 jobs.
He also led the region as it added regional hubs in the US, Mexico and Canada and a new direct in-network flights to Argentina, Chile and Brazil.
In his new role, he will manage the operations of the DHL Express business across more than 60 countries and territories.
He will lead a team of over 46,000 employees serving a customer base exceeding 1.3m. Parra will be based in Madrid, Spain.
Williams began his career in logistics as a sales executive at Loomis Express in 1996 and has progressed his way through the company to head up the Canada business.
In his new role as regional chief executive for the Americas, Williams will be responsible for the management of the DHL Express business in more than 55 countries and territories, leading more than 29,000 employees who serve more than 600,000 customers.
He will be based at the DHL Express regional headquarters in Plantation, Florida.
Pearson said: “These appointments recognize the strong leadership and commitment to service excellence and to our customers’ success of both Mike Parra and Andrew Williams.
“Mike has achieved many accomplishments in the Americas, including consistently strong revenue and profit growth, expansion of our leading international time definite network and an intense focus on employee engagement and well-being, and I’m excited to have him lead the organization in Europe.
“Andrew Williams has been a great leader for our organization in Canada, growing revenue by nearly four times during his tenure and increasing our market share in the country.
“I trust that with his strong business acumen and commitment to innovation, people development and customer satisfaction, he will continue moving the Americas region forward.”
Time-critical logistics specialist DANX Carousel Group has strengthened its executive leadership team following the expansion of its network and human resources across Europe.
Kasper Mahon Anderson has been appointed as chief financial officer (CFO) in a move set to guide the Group toward sustainable financial growth and operational excellence.
Mahon Anderson brings with him nearly two decades of experience as CFO for Maersk Supply Service, Damco, and more recently Unifeeder.
DANX Carousel has also enlisted Mohan Palaniandy as its first-ever chief digital officer, in keeping with the Group’s emphasis on the importance of digital transformation.
Palaniandy has held business transformation, product development, systems, and governance roles over the past 11 years with DSV Global Transport Logistics and SEB, and will work alongside chief transformation and information officer, Thomas Wad Jelle.
DANX Carousel has also announced the promotion of Tim Deniz to chief commercial officer, and welcomed chief human resources officer, Malene Vig Hjarnaa, to the executive leadership team.
Said Klaus Rud Sejling, chief executive, DANX Carousel Group: “These appointments mark a significant milestone for DANX Carousel, reinforcing our commitment to building our service offering and constantly improving our day-to-day operations and customer satisfaction.
“In order to drive growth and build resiliency, it is absolutely fundamental that you first make sure you have the right people that are capable of making this happen – this is us securing that foundation.”
Carousel Logistics and DANX joined forces to create the DANX Carousel Group in January of 2022, establishing a pan-European logistics specialist with a strong combined presence across the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Benelux region, Iberia, the Baltics, and the Nordics.
Further expansion is on the horizon for the DANX Carousel Group as it continues to strategically identify new regions, networks, and partners to invest in as it nears its year two milestone.
Ground handler dnata has appointed Willy Ruf as the company’s managing director for Switzerland.
Effective January 1, Ruf will oversee dnata’s ground handling and cargo business and operations at Geneva Airport and Zürich Airport in Switzerland.
He has over 30 years of international experience in the ground handling, cargo and travel industries. Most recently, he has been dnata’s head of operations in Geneva.
Prior to joining dnata, he held various senior leadership roles at Wisag and Swissport across Europe.
Ruf will replace Roberto Feijoo Lopez, and report to Stewart Angus, dnata’s regional chief executive for Europe.
Angus said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Willy, who has demonstrated exceptional management skills and steadfast commitment to excellence as our operations leader in Geneva.
“As a respected and experienced leader in our industry, he is well-equipped to contribute significantly to our strategic objectives and strengthen dnata’s market presence in Switzerland.”
In recent years, dnata’s investments in Switzerland have included environmentally friendly ground support equipment (GSE) and the rollout of its ‘OneCargo’ system across its cargo operations in the country.
OneCargo automates business and operational functions, including safety and quality monitoring, reporting and ULD management.
In the financial year 2022-23, dnata moved over 60,000 tons of cargo in Geneva and Zürich.
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