The International Air CargoAssociation (TIACA) has named Glyn Hughes its director general to lead it through a transformation initiative as the air cargo industry copes with the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He takes the organization’s reins in February.
Hughes has served since 2014 as global head of cargo for the International Air Transport Association but is scheduled to depart in January as part of a cost-saving scheme that has seen the airline group eliminate a fifth of its workforce. He has held a number of leadership roles within the airline industry over 36 years, gaining experience in many functional areas.
Hughes will replace Céline Hourcade, who was appointed last May to run the association on an interim basis after the board released Secretary General Vladimir Zubkov and began a modernization effort centered on becoming more financially sustainable and effective in developing content-driven programs to facilitate supply chain collaboration.
“Although the COVID-19 crisis has brought a spotlight on air cargo working hard to deliver essential medicine and supplies fast and safely, despite the global lockdown, the global pandemic has also highlighted the urgent need for air cargo to accelerate its digital and sustainable transformation, to develop collaborative business models and speak with a united voice to come out of this unprecedented crisis more resilient,” Hughes said in a statement on Tuesday. “I am convinced TIACA is in an ideal position to bring all the industry stakeholders together, including air cargo businesses, governments, shippers and global organizations to enable this change. I am committed to building bridges between industry players to tackle the challenges and helping the industry get ready for the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines, which will be one of my first priorities at TIACA next year.”
Under the previous structure, the secretary general had a more limited role over setting the organization’s strategy, personnel and finances. The vague sharing of responsibilities between the board and the secretary general made it difficult to fully represent the entire air cargo community, develop effective programs and expand the membership base, according to a TIACA announcement last summer about the mission change.
Late last year, the professional development and advocacy organization created a new membership category for smaller companies.
The director general will act as TIACA’s chief executive officer and be in charge of financial and operational management of the head office in Miami, planning and executing the new TIACA strategy and delivering projects and programs.
“Glyn is a charismatic and a highly respected leader who has an unparalleled track record over the past three decades of driving change in the air cargo industry and promoting its value to governments, partners and across the aviation industry,” said TIACA Chairman Steven Polmans, who is leaving at the end of the year from his post as director of cargo and logistics at the Brussels Airport Co. “We were looking for an exceptional individual, passionate about the air cargo industry and committed to making a long-lasting impact: Glyn is exactly the leader we needed. I am thrilled to have Glyn on board and look forward to working with him in the years to come to realize the potential of the newly transformed TIACA in supporting, leading and uniting the entire air cargo industry.”
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