Sebastiaan Scholte is new CEO at GSSA Kales Group

Sebastiaan Scholte, former Jan de Rijk CEO and chair of Tiaca, has become chief executive of Kales Group.

Mr Scholte, who begins his new role at the GSSA today, takes over from 20-year Kales veteran Dirk Hazenoot.

Kales is owned by World Freight Company (WFC), whose chief executive Vikram Singh, said he wanted to “thank Dirk for all his years of hard work and dedication, helping to grow Kales Group to become one of the leading GSSAs in the world”.

He added: “Sebastiaan will bring with him a wealth of relevant experience and expertise in the airline and logistics industry. We are happy to have him onboard to lead the organisation successfully.”

Mr Scholte resigned from Jan de Rijk in July last year, saying it was “the right time”. Since then he has helped develop a new project to help young talented people into the air cargo industry.

He said: “GSSAs play a crucial role in the air cargo supply chain and Kales Group is a very well-known, reputable brand in the market.

“I am looking forward to working with the group’s airline partners and growing the business.”

Kales has more than 30 offices in more than 20 European countries, as well as offices in Mumbai, Toronto, Quito, and Bogota. The company represents more than 90 airlines, handling 250,000 tons of cargo a year.