Former K+N CEO appointed as non-exec director at Swissport

Detlef Trefzger. Source: Swissport

Swissport International has appointed former Kuehne+Nagel chief executive Detlef Trefzger as a non-executive director to the board of directors.

The aviation services group said that during its tenure at K+N Trefzger had overseen the company’s development into the world’s largest transport and logistics service provider and invested heavily in new technologies and digitalisation as well as in sustainable transport and logistics services. 

He was also responsible for the acquisition of Apex International, which significantly expanded the forwarder’s airfreight presence in Asia.

“We are delighted to welcome Detlef Trefzger to our Board of Directors,” said David Siegel, chairman of the board of Swissport International. “His exceptional track record and deep industry expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

Prior to his role as chief executive of K+N, Trefzger held various senior positions at DB Schenker, including executive vice president of global contract logistics and supply chain management.

He began his career as senior project manager at Siemens and later worked as principal at Roland Berger & Partner in the transportation and logistics sector.

In addition to his new role at Swissport, Detlef Trefzger serves as a member of the board of directors for easyJet, Accelleron Industries, Swiss Prime Site, and PSA International.

He is also an operating advisor to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, a private investment firm, as well as the owner and founder of advisory firm Larix Equity.

Trefzger’s appointment follows the recent addition of Janina Kugel, former managing board member and chief human resources officer of Siemens, and Julian Diaz Gonzalez, former chief executive of Dufry, to the Swissport Board of Directors in July 2024.

“Their collective expertise strengthens Swissport’s governance and will help guide the company through its next phase of strategic growth,” Swissport said in a press release.

Swissport steps up shift to electric vehicles

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Damian Brett

Damian Brett
I have been writing about the freight and logistics industry since 2007 when I joined International Freighting Weekly to cover the shipping sector. After a stint in PR, I have gone on to work for Containerisation International and Lloyds List - where I was editor of container shipping - before joining Air Cargo News in 2015. Contact me on [email protected]