Chapman Freeborn restructures European cargo operations team

Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has announced it has restructured its European cargo operations team to manage long-term strength in traditional markets and growth of new industry verticals.

James Gilliard has been appointed the vice president of cargo sales – Europe, and Markus Schmidt becomes the vice president of cargo commercial operations – Europe. They will both report into the firm’s president of Europe, Reto Hunziker.

Gilliard will lead client acquisition and expansion into new markets, whilst Schmidt will head up brokerage operations, converting customer requests into new business opportunities.

Gilliard said: “This is an exciting time to join Chapman Freeborn as it reinvigorates its sales drive into new untapped markets. With strong growth projected in the energy and government sectors, this forward-looking strategy ensures Chapman Freeborn is agile enough to seize these opportunities and continues to deliver the same high-quality service our customers expect.”

In addition to the restructure, Chapman Freeborn has appointed a general sales agent in Eastern Europe, a new position which cements its coverage across the European Union and diversifying its sales base.

Schmidt said: “After directing cargo operations across the DACH region for the last two years, I look forward to now leading Chapman Freeborn’s cargo charter brokers across the continent. Our restructured team will engage more closely with new and existing customers to better align with market trends and aggressively target growth.”

Hunziker said: “With over 45 years’ experience working in the air cargo industry between them, James and Markus are ideally placed to ensure our team is responsive to volatile market conditions, and I look forward to working with them in this capacity.”