In a historic moment for the logistics industry, the FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) has unveiled its newly elected leadership. This pivotal election, conducted on October 10, 2025, during the FIATA Electoral General Meeting in Hanoi, marked a significant milestone: the election of the first woman to serve as President of FIATA. This development not only highlights progress toward gender equality in the sector but also sets the stage for fresh perspectives in global logistics leadership.
Leadership Structure of FIATA
The new **FIATA Presidency** brings together a dynamic team of leaders from across the globe, each member equipped with unique expertise and a deep commitment to advancing the mission of FIATA. Notably, the leadership comprises professionals from various regions, underscoring the organization’s global reach. Leading this fresh ensemble is **Thomas Sim**, hailing from the **Singapore Logistics Association (SLA)**. Sim’s election signifies a pledge to advocate for collaborative efforts within the freight forwarding community.
- Immediate Past President: **Turgut Erkeskin** from **UTIKAD**, Türkiye, whose prior leadership set a strong foundation for ongoing initiatives.
- Senior Vice Presidents:
- **Jens Roemer**, from **FORWARD Belgium W.E.B.** in Belgium
- **Nadia Abdul Aziz**, representing the **National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL)**, UAE
- **Yukki Hanafi Nugrahawan**, from the **Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ILFA)**
- Treasurer: **Neil Taylor**, from **Asociacion Logistica de Chile (ALOG)**, Chile
- Secretary General: **Keshav Tanna** of the **Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI)**.
The Extended Board
The **Extended Board** enhances FIATA’s organizational depth, integrating vice-presidents and chairs of various institutes and regional bodies. This diverse assembly represents a wide array of countries, enriching FIATA with diverse perspectives and strategies:
- Vice-Presidents Include:
- **Stephen Adjokatcher** from **Ghana Institute Of Freight Forwarders**
- **Tej Contractor**, from the **Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI)**
- **Mauro Da Ros**, representing **Federazione Nazionale delle Imprese di Spedizioni Internazionali (FEDESPEDI)**, Italy
- **Dao Trong Khoa** from the **Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA)**
- […]
Role of FIATA’s Institutes and Advisory Bodies
The various **Institutes**, **Advisory Bodies**, and **Regional Bodies** are integral to FIATA’s mission, ensuring technical proficiency, regional coordination, and effective policy advocacy. They facilitate global representation and knowledge sharing among freight forwarders, fostering innovation and capacity building:
- Institutes Leadership:
- Air Freight Institute (AFI): **Dawit Woubishet**
- Customs Affairs Institute (CAI): **Steve Parker**
- Logistics Institute (FLI): **Alperen Guler**
- Multimodal Transport Institute (MTI): **Mark Bromley**
- Advisory Bodies:
- Legal Matters Chair: **Yuntao Yang**
- Safety and Security Chair: **Niels Beuck**
Regional Representation
The FIATA leadership is also equipped with regional chairs, reflecting the geographical diversity and specific challenges faced in different markets:
- Africans and the Middle East: **Ali Al Mesned** from Qatar
- Americas: **Miguel Espinosa** from Colombia
- Asia-Pacific: **Minh Duy Nguyen** from Vietnam
- Europe: **Antonella Straulino** from Italy
The outgoing president, **Turgut Erkeskin**, exemplified dedication throughout his term, fostering innovation and cooperation across the global logistics community. FIATA has acknowledged his leadership and contributions, paving the way for the new administration under **Thomas Sim**. This transition is not just a change in personnel; it signals a commitment to fortifying the FIATA legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Reflecting on the themes of unity, diversity, and progress, **Thomas Sim** articulated his vision for the federation, emphasizing the need for a collaborative spirit across cultures and sectors. In his own words, “Our true strength lies in unity—in the collaboration of thousands of members across continents.” His approach signals a refreshing commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that FIATA remains vital in shaping trade facilitation and logistical efficiency.
As FIATA moves forward with this new leadership structure, the emphasis will rest on fostering innovative partnerships and representing the interests of freight forwarders around the globe. The dedication to sustainable growth and embracing digital transformation remains paramount, as leadership transitions galvanize the organization toward its goal of connecting the world through logistics.
About FIATA
The FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations operates as a crucial non-governmental entity, representing freight forwarders worldwide. With a membership span across approximately 150 territories, FIATA stands as the ‘global voice of freight logistics,’ committed to ensuring that the freight forwarding community is well-represented and supported.