Chapman Freeborn to expand European cargo operations
Senior management reorganisation, new East European general sales agent appointment to drive expansion.

(From left): Markus Schmidt, Vice President, Cargo Commercial Operations and James Gilliard, Vice President, Cargo Sales.
Chapman Freeborn has completed a strategic restructuring of its European cargo operations team to manage long-term strength in traditional markets and the growth of new industry verticals.
James Gilliard has been appointed Vice President, Cargo Sales and Markus Schmidt as Vice President, Cargo Commercial Operations, both reporting to Reto Hunziker who remains President of Europe, says an official release.
“This is an exciting time to join Chapman Freeborn as it reinvigorates its sales drive into new untapped markets,” says Gilliard. "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."
Chapman Freeborn has appointed a general sales agent in Eastern Europe, a new position which cements its coverage across the European Union and diversifies its sales base, the release added.
“After directing cargo operations across the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) for the last two years, I look forward to now leading Chapman Freeborn’s cargo charter brokers across the continent,” says Schmidt. "Our restructured team will engage more closely with new and existing customers to better align with market trends and aggressively target growth."
While Gilliard will lead client acquisition and expansion into new markets, Schmidt heads up brokerage operations, converting customer requests into new business opportunities, the release added.
"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,” says Hunziker.
This follows the appointment of Bernardo Nunes as Chief Operating Officer in November last year, the release added.