Glyn Hughes announces departure from TIACA

Glyn Hughes

Industry favourite Glyn Hughes is set to leave his post as director general of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) after a five-year tenure.

Mr Hughes joined TIACA as the industry was reeling from the Covid pandemic. His previous role, as global head of cargo at IATA, held for nearly seven years, meant he was already well-known by most in the sector.  

And he confirms he is retiring after 44 years in the industry, rather than moving to another role. 

It is unknown who will succeed Mr Hughes, but he said TIACA would formally open applications for the director general position at TIACA’s annual Media Day briefing today. 

“We will invite applications from across the industry. People shouldn’t exclude themselves – if they’re interested, if they feel like they have a value to add to the association, we will encourage them to submit their nomination.” 

Though he is arguably best known for his puns and dad jokes, Mr Hughes is also a champion of sustainability. Under his leadership, TIACA launched its BlueSky programme – using assessment, validation, and verification to track companies’ sustainability progress, benchmark it against peers and accelerate industry’s transformation. 

He is also an advocate of diversity, often encouraging women and young people in air cargo. TIACA recently launched Rising Star and Inspirational Leader awards to recognise next-generation talent, and those that inspired them.  

Mr Hughes does not have an official departure date, and will remain “however long the board needs to effect a smooth transition and handover”. 

“It’s now been five years since I became director general of TIACA, which has been an amazing five years. It’s flown by tremendously fast. I love working with the board, I love working with the team, but it’s time for me to go.”