Five new leaders to drive growth at GEFCO’s freight forwarding division

GEFCO Group has nominated five new leaders to grow and expand its freight forwarding business worldwide. 
The new leaders are:

• Valentin Elistratov, Global Commercial Director
• Karin Van Den Brekel, Life Science and Health Care Global Manager
• Katherine Shek, Regional Director for Asia
• Peter West, Country Director for Australia and New Zealand
• Alicja Szewczyk, Global Human Resources People and Culture Manager[caption 

Elistratov brings 25 years of experience in the logistics and freight forwarding industry, combined with expertise in the European and Asian markets, where he worked as a senior business developer for various world leading brands, including DHL and APL Logistics.
Said a spokesperson: "A solid leader with a proven sales track record, strong financial and IT acumen, and the ability to foster relationships internally and externally, Valentin will drive GEFCO Freight Forwarding’s ambitious expansion plans worldwide in the coming year."
With 20 years of experience in international logistics, Van Den Brekel will be based at GEFCO’s Schiphol office, next to the airport and at the core of a strategic hub composed of the Antwerp and Rotterdam ports and Brussels airport, where GEFCO has offices and warehousing, including temperature-controlled facilities.
Shek was previously in charge of the North Asia region for the freight forwarding business at GEFCO, where she has been "instrumental in transforming results over the last two years".
She will now be responsible for the entire Asian zone, driving growth and profitability in all markets, including Singapore and Thailand.
West, a global specialist in supply chain, logistics and operations management, brings 20 years of experience at top level positions in Europe, China and Australia, where he developed a knowledge of the food and beverage, manufacturing, consumer healthcare, retail and logistics sectors. 
Szewczyk will work with Nicola Lyons, global human resources director. She will support the division’s expansion and drive people programmes and initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with the Group’s “Infinite Proximity” culture.