Hong Kong, China: Cargo iQ, has today announced the appointment of a new Executive Director, Marie Seco-Köppen, and formally launched a new membership engagement scheme, which aims to further drive quality in the air cargo industry.
The scheme includes a tiered membership program, as well as a scorecard system measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across cargo movements, with both initiatives being piloted by Cargo iQ Board members.
Seco-Köppen, brings over 20 years’ experience in delivering process improvements and digitalization within global air freight.
She joins Cargo iQ from Im3pact AG, a consultancy for global transportation, and will take over from the current Executive Director, Lothar Moehle, a driving member of the organization since its inception 26 years ago, is retiring in June after a 50-year career in air cargo.
“This new chapter promises to be exciting, and I am looking forward to engaging with the Board and members to further extend Cargo iQ’s unique cross-stakeholder quality program,” said Seco-Köppen, who is currently the Master Operating Plan (MOP) Working Group Chair at Cargo iQ.
“In our fragmented industry, quality standards and digitalization remain crucial to attain increased performance visibility, which is required to remove redundancies and jointly
drive-up service consistency for the shipper.”
Seco-Köppen will formally step up as Cargo iQ Executive Director in May 2024.
“Cargo iQ is taking the next step in driving quality in our industry by engaging members in two initiatives that put implementation transparency at the heart of the process, as well as ensuring all stakeholders have clear KPIs against which they can measure success and define improvements,” said Moehle.
The scorecard initiative, which is under development for both forwarder-carrier and
carrier-ground handling agent relationships, concentrates on measuring selected Cargo iQ Milestones, including Notified for Delivery (NFD) performance, which is a core KPI for the group.
Other KPIs are related to timely and complete information exchange during the execution along the shipment journey.
“For balance, we also include important Data Input Quality KPIs, as one cannot perform a service if data is input incorrectly,” said Rutger Jan Pegels, Director Performance Management, KLM Cargo, and Vice Chair, Cargo iQ.
The tier system scheme awards members Bronze, Silver, or Gold membership according to level of implementation and conformance to reporting.
“With these new initiatives, we are creating more transparency among members related to the level of implementation towards whole network and or shipment scope,” said Kerstin Strauss, Vice President, Global Operations Air Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel , and Chair, Cargo iQ. “We are facilitating focused dialog on improvement to reach higher coverage.”
Mumbai, India: Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) has appointed Zulekha as its new Global Chief of Human Resources (CHRO), to build and nurture the logistics tech specialist’s growing team across ten countries.
Zulekha brings over 17 years of experience in HR across industries including logistics and education tech, manufacturing, media, and IT. She has a focus on digital HR solutions, from automating processes to using data to drive process innovation.
“Kale is an agile tech organisation, and digitisation is in our DNA, so it is natural for HR to embrace digital tools,” said Zulekha. “Our workforce includes the new generation that requires a different level of engagement, and digitalisation will empower us to design and implement processes that will be easy and convenient to use to serve employees across diversified demographics.”
Commenting on the appointment, Rajesh Panicker, Co-Founder and COO of Kale Logistics Solutions said, “Zulekha’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for our company as we continue to grow and consolidate our operations.”
“Her deep understanding of human capital dynamics and strategic mindset will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of our international operations and further strengthen our position as a market leader.”
Kale is expanding its presence in the maritime sector, developing next-gen port community systems to drive digitalisation and sustainability in the sector. As a key market leader, it engages in more than 100 air cargo stations across the globe.
Zulekha is Kale’s third high-profile appointment this year as part of ongoing growth across the globe, and specifically in North America.
This May, Kale will host a round table discussion event called CLEAR VIEW Air Cargo in Istanbul, Turkey as part of its ongoing commitment to driving digitization across all sectors of the logistics industry.
Utrecht, The Netherlands: Rotate, a leading software and strategy consulting company in the air cargo industry, announces the appointment of Ryan Keyrouse as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2024.
Ryan, one of the co-founders of Rotate, steps into this role as Gert-Jan Jansen, the outgoing CEO, will remain in the board as executive director and senior advisor for client engagements.
Ryan co-founded Rotate alongside Jansen with a mission to ‘turn data into action’ by developing and providing software products, strategy consulting and market data designed to empowering airlines, airports, and other air cargo companies in their commercial decision making.
Since its inception in June 2022, Rotate has expanded its operations across two continents, now boasting a team of 35 professionals.
“We always envisioned a seamless transition in leadership when the time was right,” says Gert-Jan. “With the remarkable growth we’ve experienced in just 18 months, thanks to Ryan and the larger leadership team, the time for this change is now. As co-founder, I remain committed to contributing to Rotate’s continued success and am excited about the future we’re shaping together.”
As the newly appointed CEO, Ryan articulates his vision for Rotate’s future, stating, “Over the last two years, Rotate has established a robust foundation. The focus was on building the strongest team in air cargo for building data and software products, and expanding our capabilities with strategy consulting. Our products have garnered significant interest among our expanding customer base. Our focus now is on execution and ongoing innovation in collaboration with our partners – both those in industry and the other members of CargoTech.”
Ryan brings to Rotate over two decades of industry expertise, having undertaken more than 50 air cargo strategy consulting projects across 30 countries. His career journey includes pivotal roles at Boeing and KPMG, culminating in his tenure as Managing Director at Seabury Cargo since 2010.
Dubai, UAE: The Join the Move to –15°C Coalition has announced the appointment of the world’s leading refrigerated cargo expert, Thomas Eskesen, to the position of Chair. The appointment comes as the Coalition continues to bolster its member base, with five new industry leaders pledging their support for a move to -15°C.
The Coalition, which was initiated by global logistics firm DP World in 2023, is an industry-wide alliance that aims to redefine frozen food temperature standards to reduce emissions, cut supply chain costs and secure food resources for the world’s growing population.
Eskesen brings with him over 35 years of experience and a proven international track record, having held several leadership positions at Maersk, including a decade as Vice President, Head of Reefer and Special Cargo. In this role he was responsible for setting strategic direction, asset planning, product development and innovation.
In 2015, he founded Eskesen Advisory, which specialises in advising executives on their unique challenges and opportunities within refrigerated cargo. Here, he has spent the last decade sharing his extensive experience in reefer products and services, strategic planning, and reefer innovation to key players in refrigerated transport and executives seeking a fresh perspective on their business model and strategy. Eskesen also holds the position of Chairman for the TPM Cold Chain conference.
To date, the Coalition has secured support from a significant portion of the world’s shipping market. Its newest members include Americold, a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics, Holt Logistics, a leading freight transportation and logistics service provider, and JB Hunt, a U.S. transport and logistics company.
Other members who have already pledged support to the Coalition’s mission include leading industry organizations, such as U.S. based AJC Group, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) of Denmark; Daikin of Japan; DP World of UAE; the Global Cold Chain Alliance; Switzerland’s Kuehne + Nagel International and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), U.S. based Lineage, Germany’s Hapag Lloyd; Singapore-based Ocean Network Express (ONE).
On Wednesday 6th March, the Coalition will host its first in-person open member meeting at this year’s S&P Global Premier Shipping and Supply Chain Conference, TPM24, in Long Beach, California, where members will come together to collaborate and discuss how to work towards its goal of achieving a move to -15°C.
Thomas Eskesen, Chair of Join The Move to -15˚C, said: “The aim of the Coalition is simple: to create an international alliance of committed partners that will transform the global logistics landscape, cut carbon emissions, save energy, and lower costs by changing the temperature that frozen food is stored and transported at.
“Frozen food standards have not been updated in almost a century, so they are long overdue for revision. It has been proven that a small temperature increase could have huge benefits, so the Coalition’s aim is to act as a conduit by bringing industry together to change what’s possible as the sector looks for viable ways to achieve its shared net zero ambition.
“We’re in the very early days of the Coalition’s establishment so it’s great to see such vested interest from key industry players, and we offer a warm welcome to our new Coalition members. We’re looking forward to a productive first meeting at TPM24, where will discuss key priorities and set the direction and vision for the year ahead.”
The Join the Move to -15°C Coalition was established following the launch of the Three Degrees of Change report, an academic report supported by DP World and delivered by experts from the Paris-based International Institute of Refrigeration, the University of Birmingham, and London South Bank University.
Most frozen food is transported and stored at -18°C, a standard that was set 93 years ago and has not changed since. The report found that a move to -15°C could make a significant environmental impact with no compromise on food safety. Furthermore, the report revealed that a 3-degree difference could save 17.7 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent annual emissions of 3.8m cars. If achieved, this change could cut costs in the supply chain by at least 5% and in some areas by up to 12%.
To find out more or join the Coalition, please visit: Join The Move to -15°C Coalition
Abu Dhabi, UAE: EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defense groups, announced the appointment of Saif Ali Al Dahbashi to the position of President of the Missiles & Weapons Cluster.
Previously CEO of EDGE entity AL TAIF, Al Dahbashi brings with him over 18 years of experience in shaping and implementing large-scale transformational programs across major commercial organizations.
In his new position, Al Dahbashi will provide oversight and strategic direction on the development and business functions of four companies within the cluster, which include Al TARIQ, CARACAL, HALCON, and LAHAB.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “Saif’s appointment brings considerable industry experience, business acumen, and leadership skills to the Missile and Weapons cluster. His proven track record in successfully guiding operations in his previous role will be invaluable in the continued development of next-generation smart weapon technologies in the UAE, and in forging important international partnerships for sustained export growth. I am confident that he will expand and harness the diverse capabilities within the cluster and lead it to a promising future. I wish him every success in his new role.”
The Missiles & Weapons Cluster is one of five clusters within EDGE, with a dedicated focus on the design, development, and manufacturing of industry-leading smart weapons, firearms, and munitions.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Etihad Airways has appointed Stanislas Brun to the role of Vice President Cargo, responsible for Etihad Cargo’s commercial operations including scheduled and charter flights, revenue management, and network planning.
Brun joins Etihad Cargo from Geodis, where, in his role as Senior Vice President Global Airfreight, he oversaw the global air cargo operations of the logistics and supply chain solutions provider. As the newly appointed Vice President Cargo of Etihad Cargo, Brun will oversee all facets of the cargo commercial operations, including revenue management and network planning.
“Etihad Cargo has embarked on an exciting period of growth, innovation, adding more destinations, increasing frequencies and significantly growing the airline’s cargo operations both here in the UAE and internationally. Etihad Cargo will continue to play a crucial role in Etihad Airways’ ability to achieve these ambitious growth plans. I have every confidence that the passion and expertise Stanislas brings to this role will enable Etihad Cargo to continue the impressive growth trajectory it has achieved in recent years,” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways, to whom Brun will report.
Al Bulooki continued, “I would like to thank Leonard Rodrigues, Head of Revenue Management & Network Planning, for his commitment and hard work during this transition period for the carrier. In his time as Acting Managing Director, Leonard has played a pivotal role in enabling Etihad Cargo to navigate challenging market conditions to deliver operational efficiencies, innovation and technology initiatives, and customer service excellence to partners and customers.”
Commenting on his appointment, Brun said, “It is a privilege to take on this new challenge at Etihad Cargo. The carrier has consistently demonstrated professionalism, agility and commitment to customer service excellence, which are very much aligned with my values. As the airline enters this next exciting period of growth, I look forward to working closely with the team, our partners and customers and continuing to deliver innovative end-to-end solutions so Etihad Cargo can remain the air cargo partner of choice.”
Dublin, Ireland: EirTrade Aviation, the global aviation asset trading and material management company headquartered in Dublin, announced the promotion of Paul Gleeson to Chief Commercial Officer.
Gleeson has been with the company since 2020 and has over a decade of experience in supply chain roles within the MRO heavy maintenance sector.
As Chief Commercial Officer, Gleeson will be tasked with expanding EirTrade’s industry footprint and market reach, improving satisfaction and service delivery for EirTrade’s customers, and optimising global operations. This new role symbolises EirTrade’s commitment to hiring top talent and broadening its market influence. As the team expands, EirTrade aims to meet the evolving demands of commercial aviation, ensuring sustained growth and delivering profitable results for all stakeholders.
“EirTrade’s core strength lies in our commitment to creating comprehensive solutions to the aviation industry. With a vast stock of high-demand material, the Company stands as an essential partner for the commercial sector,” says Gleeson.
“Supply chain challenges are at the forefront of industry concerns and our expertise will prove instrumental in navigating these challenges, particularly in accessing USM (used serviceable material), as our team augment EirTrade’s pool stock of rotable components to benefit airline customers worldwide. As EirTrade continues its growth trajectory, my focus is on driving this momentum, to underpin the expansion of our capabilities and identify competitive advantages.”
Gleeson goes on to comment that EirTrade’s recent investment by Acorn Growth Companies marks a significant milestone, representing increased support and resources. “This affiliation fortifies EirTrade’s market position, enabling the Company to continue expanding and strengthening its relationships with its customer base. The backing of Acorn stands as a testament to EirTrade’s potential for sustained growth and success in the aviation solutions domain.”
Regarding the appointment, Chief Executive Officer, Ken Fitzgibbon remarks that Gleeson has been a leader since day one. “Paul has successfully navigated various supply chain challenges, showcasing his ability to drive efficient operations and ensure customer satisfaction. His dedication to strategic supply chain management has consistently delivered positive outcomes and strengthened partnerships. As he embraces this new role, he will focus on expanding EirTrade’s global presence while enhancing the customer experience. By leveraging EirTrade’s sales, technical and asset management teams, he will optimise the supply chain process, ensuring seamless operations and superior service.”
EirTrade Aviation is a global aviation asset management and trading company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with facilities/representation in Ireland, USA, UK, Spain, Greece, Türkiye, Lithuania and China.
Hong Kong, SAR: 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.
“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,” said Christos Spyrou, NAP CEO & Founder.
“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,” he added.
Ralph van Eijk says he welcomes his new role, saying, “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.”
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways Cargo has named Mark Drusch as the company’s new Chief Officer Cargo effective immediately.
With over 25 years in senior airline management roles, Mark is a well-known figure in the aviation world. His most recent role was SVP Revenue Management, Alliances and Strategy at Qatar Airways where he led the development and implementation of the company’s revenue strategy as well as managing strategic alliances with key partner airlines.
Before joining Qatar Airways, Mark spent 20 years at Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines and Lufthansa LSG Sky Chefs as Senior Vice President where he led the transformation in commercial airline strategy execution, revenue management, network planning and alliances.
In addition, Mark was CEO and co-founder of e-Rewards and e-Miles, leaders in online panel research and online advertising.”
Qatar Airways Cargo is the world’s leading international air cargo carrier based in Doha in Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 70 freighter destinations and 160 passenger destinations utilizing freighters and belly-hold passenger flights.
Frankfurt, Germany— Bernhard zur Strassen has been named as the new Managing Director and CEO of time:matters GmbH effective 1 November 2023.
Zur Strassen has extensive experience in international management for logistics service providers and shippers. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Revenue Officer at Shipsta S.à.r.l., a software company.
“We are delighted to have Bernhard zur Strassen on board as the new CEO of time:matters GmbH. He has an extensive and long-standing expertise in the field of logistics, making him optimally qualified to further establish time:matters as a company for time-critical emergency and highly flexible transport solutions,” said Frank Bauer, Chief Financial Officer and Labour Director at Lufthansa Cargo.
Bernhard zur Strassen began his logistics career at Lufthansa Cargo, where he authored his thesis for his business studies. He then held several international positions at Kühne + Nagel, a logistics service provider, in Switzerland, England, and Luxembourg.
Zur Strassen subsequently oversaw the global transportation network and later managed the logistics and supply chain for a worldwide automotive industry supplier. At time:matters, he will drive international growth with customers, digitalization and sustainability.
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