Expeditors CEO out, 'fresh blood in' – and another top exec change expected
Personnel business
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By Alex Lennane
Des Vertannes, the charming, diplomatic, even-keeled, much-liked and well-respected head of IATA Cargo, has announced his resignation from the industry. He leaves the association in June.
He joined IATA – then renowned for its lack of interest in cargo, an unhappy staff and unpopular director general – exactly four years prior to his leaving date.
Defended and ring-fenced initially from the worst of the association by the Cargo Committee, led by former Emirates SkyCargo chief Ram Menen, he set about changing the ...
Comment on this article
Andy Robins
March 30, 2014 at 7:51 amDes has too much charm to leave the underbelly world of cargo, hope to see him pop up somewhere in the future.
Michael Morey
March 31, 2014 at 1:41 pmI’ve known Des for many years and always admired how he was one who dared to dream out loud. Often stating what many of us in the industry felt but didn’t dare speak. He inspired us to pursue those dreams and press for the many changes and initiatives we see materializing today.
We’ll never replace Des but hopefully he’s spawned a whole new generation of dreamers who will continue to follow the vision.
Steve Fitzgerald
March 31, 2014 at 4:16 pmThose who know him, will miss him.
Those who knew of him, will never really believe the stories told about him.
In an age of commercial necessity, Des was a Gentleman.
In every sense of the word.
His like are now too few in our industry and unlike the dinosaurs, he was ahead of his time.
Enjoy the peace……you’ve earned it!
Harinath Vobblisetty
April 05, 2014 at 5:12 amI met Mr. Des Vertannes only few times and charmed by him from distance. He gives sense of belongingness together and more importantly he seemed to have time for everyone. He is fearless to accept the wrong, has heart to listen to ideas and patientce to dispell myths / wrong notions.
It is sad and shocking to hear he would be leaving. I wish him and his family very best.
Peter Walter
April 05, 2014 at 10:44 amCongratulations Des and thank you for all your hard work and devotion. I wish you a happy and healthy retirement.
Best Wishes
Peter Walter
Robin Jarvis
April 08, 2014 at 4:26 amThank you Des! A true leader and visionary. It has been a pleasure to work with you. May I wish you and your familiy best wishes for the future and we hope that you can come dip your toes in the sand again as a guest on holiday!
Big shoes to fill IATA!
David Ambridge
April 11, 2014 at 4:52 amDes is a man for our industry and he will be tough to replace. Having worked for him and with him and known him for over 40 years he is also a good friend. The work he has done at IATA has been ground-breaking and badly needed. He embraced the Shippers, and the GHAs had never been heard of before Des arrived at IATA. Let’s hope his successor has similar visions and courage to continue the work started by Des. As a member of COAG I promise him we will continue to do what he has asked us to do and, as always, we will deliver.