Steven Polmans quits Nallian to take on Abu Dhabi Airports role

Steven Polmans, chair of Tiaca, is to quit Nallian after just a year and jet off to Abu Dhabi, where he will join the airport company as VP business development, FTZ.

He joined Nallian in January last year as chief customer officer, after more than 10 years at Brussels Airport, where he was director cargo and logistics.

Mr Polmans told The Loadstar: “The only reason for leaving so soon is because of the very interesting and challenging opportunity offered. Working abroad has also been on my list for a long time, so it just ticked all the boxes.”

He will join Abu Dhabi Airports on 14 February and, while he is moving to the UAE, he added: “I think Etihad will be able to welcome a new frequent flyer.”

Mr Polmans added that he has ambitions for the job, “let that be very clear”. He explained: “The first step will be to align all stakeholders internally and externally, to come up with a strategy on how to put AUH on the map.”

AUH’s free zones offer business and logistic parks with warehousing, at three of the group’s five airports. The zones offer tax exemptions, as well as 100% foreign ownership of businesses, and are designed to attract cargo and logistics businesses as well as pharma companies and aerospace. As director at Brussels, which has pharma credentials, he was also responsible for the cargo area and real estate.

He will remain as chair of Tiaca.