Amsterdam/Dublin/London/Singapore—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.”
Frankfurt, Germany: AeroLogic, the joint venture between DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo, officially has a new second Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer as of January 1, 2025, Marcus Niedermeyer, who will be responsible for Finance, Human Resources, IT and Administration, a position he has held on an interim basis since July 2024.
Niedermeyer succeeds Katharina Prost, who held the position from October 2022 to July 2024. In addition to Niedermeyer, the management team also includes Josef Moser, who joined the company in January 2008 and has been Managing Director and Accountable Manager at AeroLogic since May 1, 2017.
Niedermeyer brings with him more than 29 years of professional experience both within and outside the Lufthansa Group. Before joining AeroLogic, Marcus Niedermeyer was most recently Managing Director of Air Mail Center Frankfurt GmbH from 2018 to June 2024. Prior to that, he held various management positions at Lufthansa Cargo.
Frank Bauer, Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa Cargo, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marcus Niedermeyer as an experienced manager to AeroLogic. His extensive expertise and commitment will undoubtedly help to drive the company forward and strengthen AeroLogic’s position in the market. As we look back on nearly 18 years of our joint venture, we are extremely proud of our shared accomplishments: safe, reliable and highly efficient flight operations and steady fleet growth for both partners. In the future, we will continue to build on the good cooperation in the joint venture and an excellent offer for our customers.”
Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, adds: “Aerologic is of great strategic importance to DHL Express. With Marcus Niedermeyer, we welcome back an experienced and accomplished expert to the ranks of Aerologic. We congratulate Marcus Niedermeyer on his new role and wish him the greatest possible success.”
AeroLogic has been a joint venture between DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo since 2007 and is based at the key freight hub of Leipzig. The start of joint operations dates back to summer 2009.
Lufthansa Cargo currently markets the capacities of a total of 18 Boeing 777 freighters. Six of these aircraft have been chartered by AeroLogic and are also operated by AeroLogic crews, but under a Lufthansa Cargo codeshare flight number. In addition, the AeroLogic fleet currently includes 16 further Boeing 777F aircraft, which are operated on behalf of DHL.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Madhav Kurup, Dubai-based Regional CEO, has been promoted to Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. This marks a significant milestone as the first non-German appointed to a global C-suite role at Hellmann.
Kurup’s new role makes him one of the four members of Hellmann’s Executive Management Team, globally responsible for the company. As COO, he will oversee the global product organization for air freight, sea freight, and contract logistics. He will hold direct accountability for the global P&L of all three products, each managed by dedicated global product heads.
Hellmann’s decision to position Kurup in Dubai reinforces UAE’s strategic significance as a hub for international companies, capitalising on its exceptional connectivity, mobility, and dynamic business environment.
Kurup started his journey in the UAE 25 years ago, moving from India to Dubai to join a UAE-based logistics company. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a Group General Manager within eight years. In 2008, he joined Hellmann Worldwide Logistics as CEO of the Middle East, achieving a remarkable transformation in the logistics market within just two years.
He later expanded his leadership as CEO of the IMEA region, driving strategic growth and establishing offices across the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa. Under his 16 years of visionary leadership, Hellmann’s workforce in the IMEA region grew from 100 to over 2,000 employees. In his new role, he will continue to be based in Dubai and frequently travel to Germany.
During his tenure, Kurup implemented specialised solutions through strategic joint ventures in the UAE, partnering with automotive, chemical, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors. He also led the launch of the first road freight entity outside Europe for Hellmann with a focus on GCC cross-border trucking.
On his promotion to Global COO, Madhav Kurup said: “I am honoured to lead the global operations and further strengthen the remarkable legacy of Hellmann. Coming from a humble background has given me a deeper understanding of people and the complexities of society, which is crucial at a global leadership level. For me, it’s all about translating ideas into effective operating models, building strong teams, and prioritising people development.”
While talking about UAE market, he added: “Hellmann UAE is already a market leader in automotive, healthcare and sea–air operations. The UAE will continue to be a major market for Hellmann by further expanding its established verticals and strengthening its e-commerce and chemical operations. In fact, Dubai, in particular, stands out as a major hub for global professionals, thanks to its advanced logistics infrastructure and the exceptional living conditions it offers.”
Washington/London/Brussels/Singapore: The World Shipping Council (WSC) Board of Directors has elected Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as the new Chair of the World Shipping Council Board. Randy Chen, Vice Chairman of Wan Hai Lines, has been elected Vice Chair.
Soren Toft and Randy Chen will serve a two-year term, effective immediately. The new Chair and Vice Chair succeed Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, and Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, who have served as co-Chairs of the WSC Board for two terms, starting November 2020.
WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek highlights the extensive expertise that Soren Toft and Randy Chen will bring, and their contributions to the global shipping industry.
“I am looking forward to working with Soren Toft and Randy Chen in their new roles. Both are esteemed leaders with a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainability in the global shipping industry. Their experience and expertise will be instrumental in continuing to develop the World Shipping Council as the united voice of liner shipping,” said Kramek.
Commenting on his new role, Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company: “It is an honor to step into the role of Chair for the World Shipping Council and to represent the global liner shipping industry alongside our members. WSC is today a respected voice of liner shipping, engaging with governments and organizations globally.”
“An ever-changing world presents both challenges and opportunities for our industry as we head into the future, and I am eager to further advance our work to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe and secure shipping industry,” he added.
London, UK: NeX e-Commerce has welcomed Mandy Deakin-Snell as the new Head of Global Academy Program.
With decades of leadership experience and a proven track record in the e-Commerce and logistics industries, Mandy is set to drive innovation and growth within NeX’s Academy business unit, shaping the future of cross-border e-Commerce education.
Mandy’s career spans some of the most influential roles in logistics, including General Management at TNT, Director of International Operations at DPD, International Managing Director at the Geopost Group, and her more recent role as Founder and CEO of MDS Alignment – coaching and consulting supply chain professionals. Her deep industry knowledge, paired with her exceptional ability to guide and inspire, makes her the ideal leader to propel the NeX Academy to new heights.
Mandy’s addition to NeX e-Commerce marks a significant milestone in its journey to becoming the go-to hub for innovation, education, and leadership in the e-Commerce and logistics sectors.
CEO Justus Klüver-Schlotfeldt commented, “I am beyond excited to welcome Mandy to the team. Her unparalleled expertise, leadership skills, and talent for nurturing growth make her the perfect fit for this role. Mandy’s vision and mentorship will undoubtedly inspire both our team and program participants as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in cross-border logistics.”
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Airbus has appointed Eid Al Qahtani as Airbus President for the new Regional Headquarters in Riyadh, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the wider region.
Airbus’ Regional Headquarters located in Riyadh represents an expansion of the company’s commercial, defense, space and helicopter businesses in the KSA and beyond. Since the 1970s Airbus has significantly grown its presence in the KSA, continuously increasing its contribution to the Kingdom’s aviation and aerospace sector.
Currently, Airbus employs more than 350 people in the KSA, 30% of which are Saudi nationals and the remainder represented by over 30 nationalities.
Al Qahtani will focus on strengthening partnerships with governments and stakeholders while driving new business in the region. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, including as Head of Operations for Airbus Helicopters in Riyadh, Al Qahtani brings a deep industrial expertise to the position.
Wouter Van Wersch, President Airbus International, commented: “We are privileged to see Eid Al Qahtani leading our operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as President for Airbus from our new Regional Headquarters in Riyadh. Al Qahtani brings valuable insights to the country’s ambitious goals and he understands the importance of local talent development. His proven track record in successfully leading projects in the region makes him a perfect fit for this role.”
Al Qahtani added: “I am honored to be leading Airbus from our new Riyadh Headquarters and look forward to further consolidating Airbus’ presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is a most strategic market for us. Our aim is to continue supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term goals, whilst inspiring the next generation of Saudi leaders in the aerospace sector.”
In January 2024, Airbus signed an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) to support the growth of the industrial ecosystem in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy.
This agreement includes the transfer of technology and expertise to local companies, such as SAAMS (SAMI Airbus Aircraft Maintenance Services), the joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Airbus, which serves as the key driver for industrial localization in the KSA.
Le Havre, France: Seafrigo Group, a global leader in specialist cool-chain food logistics, has appointed Bruno Plantaz as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, tasked to steer its global operations and structuring the organization to implement its long-term growth strategy.
Company founder Eric Barbé steps up to the role of President and will work alongside Bruno as they deliver the next stage in the Group’s global growth plan.
Bruno brings over two decades of international expertise in freight forwarding and contract logistics to his new role, having previously held senior management positions in Europe, the Middle East and Asia at CEVA Logistics and Kuehne & Nagel.
“This company is a sparkling diamond and now it needs to be polished to shine even brighter. It’s highly customer centric and its entrepreneurial spirit is exceptional; now we need to grow and expand its services to even more countries around the world. We have a President whose business development skills are extraordinary and I am delighted to be here to work alongside him and the team he has built over the last 40 years,” said Bruno.
The stage has already been set for the upcoming international expansion of Seafrigo’s refrigerated services to new markets in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia with a number of announcements planned for the coming months.
London, UK: 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, 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.
Bonn/Bahrain: DHL Express has appointed Abdulaziz Busbate as the new Chief Executive Officer of DHL Express MENA (Middle East and North Africa), effective January 1, 2025, succeedomh Nour Suliman who recently stepped into a non-executive advisory role within DHL Group as President MENA.
Busbate will be based in Bahrain and will report directly to John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, who said:
“We are excited to welcome Abdulaziz Busbate to this pivotal role. His extensive experience, proven track record, and deep understanding of the region will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and innovation in the Middle East and North Africa market, which continues to be a strategically important market for our customers and a source of talented, motivated employees for our global organization.”
Bringing 24 years of management experience at DHL Express to the role, Busbate began his
journey in Saudi Arabia, leading various commercial teams and contributing significantly to the
organization’s profitable growth.
In 2014, Busbate transferred to Bahrain as Country Manager, where he focused on service improvement and commercial development. In 2021, he returned to Saudi Arabia as Managing Director, successfully driving forward the company’s strategy, including significant enhancements to service quality, investments in infrastructure and capacity, and development of the local workforce.
Bustabe said he’s honored to lead DHL Express and its dynamic team, saying, “My focus will remain on expanding DHL’s leadership position in the Middle East and North Africa, enabling growth and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We will continue to invest in making DHL a Great Place to Work for our people and a pioneer of sustainable logistics, delivering a positive contribution to the communities
we serve.”
Abu Dhabi, UAE: RoyalJet, the premium private jet operator, is poised to continue to build on the business success it has achieved over the last two decades with the entry of a new shareholder and the appointment of seasoned aviation industry executive Shafiul Syed as its new Chief Executive. His focus will be on safety, customer service and strategy development.
“Top of the list is safety. As a premium private jet operator, this is our ultimate responsibility and service towards our guest,” Syed explained. “And because we deal with very high profile VVIP customers, not only should we deliver and meet expectations in service but continue to reinvent and expand through new frontiers.”
Syed explained further “Impeccable safety standards and excellent customer service underpin our daily operations, and we need to continue to evolve and grow with the environment, into the future. With a new composition of Board of Directors, we are poised to trail blaze, whilst growing the business, exploring new geographies and segments. These steps come within the framework of our efforts to build and enhance the success of our distinctive brand, Royal Jet, and consolidate our leading position in
the market.”
Mohammed Husain Ahmed, who previously held the post of RoyalJet CEO and has now taken on the role of the Advisor to the Chairman, said: “I am truly excited to welcome Shaf to the Royal Jet family on behalf of the Chairman. The years of experience he has had in the aviation industry truly speak volumes about his leadership and business acumen. This, I believe will drive Royal Jet to even greater heights and
help realize the brand’s aspirations to spread its wings further across key markets. I
wish him all the best.”
Syed comes with more than 30 years of aviation management experience, across many departments and functions. He has led major brand organisations through tough business and culture change with his inspired and passionate leadership, as well as an uncompromising commitment to safety, strategy and the customer as key success factors.
Syed has worked across various locations in the world, specialising in starting-up new airlines, turning them around, or providing strategic management. Under his leadership, Aero FlightOps UK Ltd received one of the first Air Operator Certificates (AOC) to be awarded by the UK CAA post Brexit. In Nigeria, Atlantic Aviation Ltd. secured an AOC to compete against other helicopter operators. And, during his stints with Coastal (Tanzania & East Africa), Heliconia (Morocco & Northwest Africa) and Aero Contractors (Nigeria & West Africa), company brands were driven back to world class safety and
operational standards leading to commercial profitability.
At the start of his career, Syed had an 18-year distinguished profile at British Airways starting off as an undergraduate engineer, Boeing 747-400 Line Maintenance Engineer, Production Controller to BA Engineering’s Landing Gear overhaul facility, Operations Scheduler, Customer Services Manager, Brand Marketing Executive through to Sales Manager and culminating as General Manager for BA’s entire operations in North & West Africa.
Syed studied Air Transport Engineering at the City University (London, UK) and Business Administration at Henley Business School. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS).
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