Alexandra Herdman is Policy Lead - Multimodal at Logistics UK, the leading voice of the UK’s logistics sector. She brings over a decade of experience in policy and public affairs, with a background spanning both the Scottish and UK Parliaments as well as the logistics industry.

Her work focuses on advancing strategic policy that supports international trade, modal shift, enhances national infrastructure, and accelerates the decarbonisation of logistics while strengthening the UK’s logistics ecosystem—the backbone of the economy. An experienced advocacy and communications professional, Alexandra also serves on the CIPR Scotland committee.

A trusted and influential voice in the sector, she is known for building strong partnerships and using her expertise to champion the essential role logistics plays in driving and sustaining the UK economy.

Ariaen Zimmerman is a recurring judge for the Air Cargo News Awards, bringing a career of over 20 years in air cargo logistics with air carriers as well as with IATA. He shaped Polar Air Cargo's global key accounts programme and initiated Saudia Cargo's key accounts programme.

Next to commercial roles with cargo airlines, Ariaen has been teaching marketing at a Dutch University and led IATA's Cargo iQ initiative through one of its most tumultuous transitions from Cargo 2000 to Cargo iQ.

Ariaen is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and ethical business practices, which is why he started neAira Executive Performance. At neAira, he helps companies - and their teams and executives - navigate leadership and performance challenges; fostering an environment conducive to the growth and development of both businesses and their people.

As a judge for the annual Air Cargo News Awards, Ariaen brings his comprehensive understanding and dedication to the table. He is particularly interested in projects that have a significant impact on the way the air cargo industry addresses its challenges, from both a business and a people and planet point of view.

Brendan leads IATA’s cargo activities as the Global Head of Cargo. Before taking on this role in July 2021 Brendan held a number of roles in IATA covering cargo operations, e-commerce and dangerous goods. Prior to joining IATA in 2007, Brendan was at Air Canada managing various aspects of cargo operations, processes, and procedures. Passionate about air cargo, innovation, diversity and talent, Brendan also founded IATAs future air cargo executive FACE program and has a wealth of experience in logistics, operations, and people management.

Cathy Morrow Roberson heads up Logistics Trends & Insights LLC, a supply chain market research firm. Her career spans libraries, startups, market research firms, and supply chain firms UPS and Transportation Insight.

Cathy also serves as Research Manager for the Reverse Logistics Association, Research Analyst for the Journal of Commerce, writes a column for Air Cargo Next, and writes the LinkedIn newsletter, Freight Forward.

Cathy focuses on competitive and market analysis, M&A due diligence and has in depth knowledge of the global freight forwarding, technology, parcel and e-commerce markets.

Cathy has a BA in History from Winthrop University, a Masters in Library Science from the University of South Carolina and an MBA in finance and marketing from Mercer University.

Glyn has been involved in Air Cargo for over 43 years having started his career with British Caledonian in the UK. He joined IATA in 1991 and become IATA's Global Head of Cargo in June 2014. In February 2021, Glyn joined TIACA as its first Director General where he works with the Board to deliver the organization's vision for a safe, profitable and united air cargo industry that embraces modern technologies and practices, to sustainably serve trade and social development worldwide. Priority areas include safety, security, sustainability, digitalization and innovation. He is dedicated to developing collaborative relationships and is a firm believer in supporting the next generation of industry leaders and innovators.

James Wyatt is the General Manager of aeroconcept, an air cargo management consultancy headquartered in Leipzig, Germany. Founded in May 2019, aeroconcept delivers strategic management consulting services across all sectors of the aviation industry, with a particular specialization in the air cargo supply chain.

With more than 25 years of experience in the aviation sector, James has built a distinguished international career focused primarily on air cargo and logistics. Throughout his career, he has worked with several of the world’s leading airlines and aviation organizations, including Lufthansa Cargo, AeroLogic, Qatar Airways, DHL Express, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

James brings extensive global expertise across the entire aviation supply chain, including cargo handling, ground handling, flight operations, quality and safety management, restricted commodities, auditing, cargo IT systems, product management, and professional training. His comprehensive industry knowledge enables him to provide an independent, objective perspective on the complex challenges and emerging opportunities within the air cargo sector.

Through aeroconcept, James supports a diverse international client portfolio, delivering tailored, result driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth across the ever evolving air cargo supply chain.

Jonathan Mellink is a recognized leader in air cargo commercial improvement, currently serving as the Head of Sales & Marketing at Rotate, a Netherlands-based technology firm dedicated to improving commercial and strategic decision-making in the industry. With a career built at the intersection of logistics and data, Jonathan is a vocal advocate for a "cargo-first" mindset, leveraging analytics to drive commercial excellence.

At Rotate, Jonathan leads the team responsible for empowering airlines and logistics providers with actionable insights. He has played a pivotal role in the rollout of innovative tools like Live Capacity, which provides real-time visibility into market trends, and the Sales Cockpit, a CRM-integrated sales intelligence platforms designed to boost commercial performance of cargo sales teams. His expertise is frequently sought after for his ability to translate complex data into practical strategies that address the industry's most pressing challenges, from freighter profitability to the shifting dynamics of global trade lanes.

As a frequent speaker at industry events Jonathan provides the audience insight into on the latest air cargo market development. He holds a Master of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Change Management.

Marie Seco-Köppen, Executive Director of Cargo iQ, brings over 25 years of experience in the air freight industry. She began her career in cargo flight operations at Panalpina in Luxembourg, before transitioning into Training, Implementation and Product Owner roles, always working at the intersection of operations and systems development. Marie later served as Global Air Freight Process Digitalization Manager at the company’s headquarters, working closely with airlines on process optimization initiatives.

In 2020, Marie co-founded the consultancy Im3pact AG, supporting freight forwarders, ground handlers, airlines, and technology providers in strengthening performance management and operational capabilities.

Marie is recognized for driving collaboration across the air freight ecosystem and leading successful multi-stakeholder integration initiatives. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Transport & Logistics Management and two Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS): one in Customer and Value-Oriented Product Management, and another in Holistic Continuous Improvement Management.

Her strong expertise in continuous improvement and the air freight ecosystem led to her appointment as Executive Director of Cargo iQ in 2024, a Geneva-based membership organization and IATA interest group, a role she currently holds.

Robert has been organising transport and logistics events since 1988! As Event Director at Cargo Systems, and later at Informa, Robert has organised events in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Holland, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Hungary, The Czech Republic, Italy, Turkey, South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, the US, Mexico, Panama and Chile.

He is currently the Event Director of Multimodal in the UK.

Robert is also an Ambassador for international development charity Transaid

Steve Parker joined BIFA as director general in January 2023 after an active career in the logistics industry spanning four decades, most recently at global forwarder DHL where he held responsibility for airfreight and Customs matters. Before joining BIFA full-time, Steve was chair of the BIFA Customs Policy Group and member of the Board of Directors.

Since taking the helm, Steve has revitalised member engagement with the introduction of new events including the regular Business Leaders Forum and a two-day National Conference. Steve has also transformed communication with the BIFA membership through the formation of BIFA TV, BIFA’s You Tube channel providing “A daily dose of industry information”.