ACL Airshop appoints Bernhard Kindelbacher as Chief Executive Officer
Steve Townes becomes vice chairman; Kindelbacher brings over 30 years of experience at Lufthansa Cargo
ACL Airshop, a global leader in air cargo unit load device (ULD) logistics solutions, announced the appointment of Bernhard Kindelbacher as Chief Executive Officer w.e.f March 1, 2024.
Kindelbacher has extensive background in air cargo leadership, logistics management, business development & strategy, global operations, and full enterprise general management with over 30 years at Lufthansa Cargo, says an official release.
"He recently culminated his distinguished Lufthansa career in an extended general management post as Managing Director for all cargo operations in the USA and Canada. In his Lufthansa career, he held important roles such as Senior VP Strategy & Business Development as well as Senior VP Network, Product & Marketing, in which he successfully designed and implemented numerous transformations. He was also responsible for creating the first worldwide cargo joint ventures with ANA, United Cargo and Cathay Pacific."
Steve Townes, the current CEO, will continue serving the company in an advisory role as Vice Chairman, the release added. "Bernhard is the right leader for this next chapter of ACL Airshop, with deep professional roots and impeccable expertise in the global air cargo sector," says Townes.
Kindelbacher adds: "ACL Airshop is a successful worldwide entrepreneurial team of air cargo and logistics experts with a strong high performance culture. I am delighted to join this professional enterprise, to lead it forward in its next stage of growth and strategic development. We will build momentum, and take very good care of our customers and our employees. I am very happy to become part of the ACL Airshop team."
ACL Airshop is a portfolio company of funds managed by Astatine Investment Partners. Jim Metcalfe, a board member of ACL and CEO, Astatine Investment Partners says: "We are excited about Bernhard leading ACL in its next phase. We believe he brings strategic vision that will generate financial benefits for investors, value add service for customers and new opportunities for employees. We want to thank Steve for his energy, enthusiasm and contributions as CEO."
ACL Airshop owns, maintains and leases more than 74,000 ULDs including air freight pallets and containers, issued from 57 airport hub locations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America, the release added.
