Former Brussels Airport and Abu Dhabi Airports executive brings extensive air cargo experience to drive commercial performance and strategic initiatives
Steven Polmans will join Swissport as global senior vice president cargo with responsibility for identifying key growth opportunities through both organic expansion and strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity.
Polmans will begin his new role on 15 November and is the key point of contact for all commercial matters, business development initiatives, and M&A activities within Swissport’s cargo business.
The cargo handler said he will play a crucial role in strengthening the company’s global reputation, developing and driving the global cargo strategy, enhancing commercial performance and ensuring Swissport maintains its market position.
“We are delighted to welcome Steven Polmans to the Swissport team,” said Dirk Goovaerts, chief executive Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, & India and global cargo chair at Swissport.
“His extensive experience in transforming cargo operations, building strategic industry partnerships, and driving innovation makes him the ideal leader to further enhance and grow our cargo services worldwide.
"Steven’s deep industry knowledge and forward-thinking approach will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in air cargo handling.”
On his appointment, Polmans said: “I am truly excited to take on this new role and to work alongside a dedicated team of passionate professionals. Together, we will strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our existing and future customers and achieve the ambitious growth targets Swissport has set for its cargo business.”
Polmans, who will report directly to the global cargo chair, brings extensive air cargo experience from leadership roles across various companies and industry associations in different parts of the world.
Most recently, before his current professional activities as an independent air cargo consultant, he served as vice president business development at Abu Dhabi Airports and director of Cargo & Logistics at Brussels Airport Company, where he played a key role in developing BRUcargo into a leading pharmaceutical logistics hub.
He was also the founding chairman of Air Cargo Belgium and served as chairman of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).
His extensive network and deep understanding of global cargo markets will be valuable assets to Swissport as it pursues delivering world-class service to airlines and freight forwarders, optimising revenue, and driving operational efficiencies.
In September, Swissport appointed Ajay Barolia as executive vice president cargo for North America to focus on modernisation, sustainability and growth.
Swissport's air cargo division handles over 5m tonnes of air cargo annually across 117 cargo warehouses worldwide.
