Steven Polmans and Sanjeev Gadhia set to take the reins at Tiaca

From l to r: Secretary general Vladimir Zubkov, with Scholte, Polmans and Gadhia

Sanjeev Gadhia, the well-respected and genial head of Kenya’s Astral Aviation, is to become vice chair of Tiaca, as Steven Polmans moves up to take the role of chair from next month. 

Mr Polmans, head of cargo for Brussels Airport, has served as vice chair for two years and replaces Jan De Rijk Logistics’ Sebastiaan Scholte, who will step down next month.  

It was known that Mr Polmans was keen to find “someone he could work well with, and get on with”. He appears to have found that in Mr Gadhia, who said he would focus on increasing diversity in the organisation. 

Mr Polmans said: ““He is not only a great guy, he brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts to Tiaca and is respected by many, if not all, in our industry. 

“Representing an airline based in a different region in the world also strengthens again our global footprint as an organisation.” 

Mr Gadhia, who is also vice chair of the African Airline Association (AFRAA)’s Cargo Committee, added: “I will aim to ensure that Tiaca is even more ‘inclusive’, and has a sustainable and diverse business model. 

“I want to consider how we can better promote diversity so that we can grow the Association so that every member of the air-cargo supply-chain regardless of size, nationality, geography, or gender, can be a part of Tiaca.” 

Mr Scholte and Mr Polmans launched a fresh vision for Tiaca 18 months ago, and steered it away from financial difficulties. 

Since then, the Association claims to have grown its global footprint, and has launched an online airport ratings system, the Cargo Service Quality (CSQ) tool.  

Mr Polmans said: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sebastiaan for his energy and inspiration over the last two years. 

 “Under his chairmanship, we have built the foundation of a strong future for the only organisation which represents all sectors of the air cargo supply chain.”