Henk Venema appointed as chairman of Cargo iQ

Jun 27, 2017: Senior vice president and global head of network carrier management at DHL Global Forwarding, Henk Venema has been named the new chairman of the Cargo iQ. Venema, who has over 15 years of experience in air cargo, takes over from Max Sauberschwarz, vice president and global head of carrier and gateway air logistics at Kuehne + Nagel, who chaired the IATA interest group from 2013.

Kester Meijer, director operational integrity, compliance and safety - ISCM, Air France-KLM Cargo, will continue to support the group as its Vice Chairman. Sauberschwarz will also continue to serve on the Board.

“I am excited to be taking the role of Chairman as the organisation continues to innovate and develop, thanks to initiatives such as the new Smart Data Portal. Cargo iQ is a key initiative in the industry, where not only airlines, but also freight forwarders, handlers, and technology providers come together to define the common and unique quality standards we want to set for the industry going forward. The new projects we are working on, built upon the excellent work the organisation has successfully delivered so far, will further boost Cargo iQ’s quality standards.

The new portal enables members not only to see data and trends but also to act internally to improve levels of quality and fix specific pain points – an important diagnostic tool that will help to translate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into material actions,” said Venema.

The new Smart Data Portal enables members to interrogate and interpret information about their service levels, helping them to develop new products and improve existing services. The group has also recently appointed an external auditor, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), to carry out its member Audit and Certification Scheme.

“It has been my privilege to lead Cargo iQ and ensure we take it to the next level. Building on the outstanding work of the organisation since it was formed 20 years ago, members are demonstrating that, by working together, we can - and will - improve our industry,” said Sauberschwarz.

Venema takes over as Cargo iQ continues to roll out a series of initiatives kick started under Sauberschwarz’s chairmanship. This included the rebranding at IATA’s World Cargo Symposium in Berlin, Germany, in 2016.