As nominations open for Air Cargo Week’s Next Generation World Air Cargo Awards, meet the newly established judging panel. Composed of industry experts, each selected on the basis of their impartiality, knowledge, experience and global diversity, these teams will play a key role in nominating the finalists and ensuring that the winners are selected on merit.
Each award category has clear, well-defined selection criteria that will guide the jury members in their assessments. This process will be carried out using a standard checklist and template that allows each individual jury member to follow the same process. This will ensure an overall and balanced outcome with more focus on content and deliverables and less reliance on public voting.
B Balasubramanianalso known as Bala, is an experienced professional with over 46 years of experience in the aviation and air cargo industry. He has held senior leadership positions in major airlines and international aviation organisations, including Emirates SkyCargo, Air India, ICAO, IATA and others.
“I find this a great opportunity to share my expertise and global experience among my fellow judges to select the most deserving candidate in each field,” Bala said.
“Organizations and individuals, in the course of their professional pursuits, often make great contributions that have a significant impact on industry, commerce and the future. It is only fair that such great contributions are identified, and recognized with a greater vision to encourage future contributions as well.
Stephen Verhasselt He graduated in Brussels from Ihsal University with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He began working at a regional development agency, focusing on helping startups with business plans, seed capital, and venture capital. Since 2022, Stephen has been working full-time at FB Cargo Strategy. He mostly develops a vision, advises on investment projects, and brings airport cargo development projects to market.
“I believe there is a need in our industry for a neutral and balanced approach when it comes to the achievements and future plans of different stakeholders,” Verhasselt explained. “The award is recognition of the team effort. To be accepted on stage and get the credits is great. To take it home to share with the team who made it happen is the real reward. I encourage everyone to take part, because it brings the team and the company together.”
Brigitte Gledhill I started my air cargo journey as a Cargo Management Trainee with Lufthansa Cargo in 1996, traveling between the UK and Germany. After 21 years in very diverse international positions covering every angle of air cargo, she is an air cargo journalist and copywriter.
“I feel the air cargo industry is full of award ceremonies, many of which seem to lack substance, comprehensiveness and governance. The revised Air Cargo Week World Air Cargo Awards 2025 introduce a fair, balanced and transparent system where companies will be judged on true merit,” Gledhill explained. : “I strongly support the development of more meaningful competition – competition that has the potential to set quality standards in the air cargo industry.”
“We all learn from each other and good ideas should be shared for the benefit of the industry as a whole. The Air Cargo Week Awards provide a platform for those who deliver quality and innovation, giving them the recognition they deserve. They are open to all air cargo companies, regardless of their size and regardless of any marketing budget It is a fair, democratic and transparent competition.
Chris Nutter He is a renowned aviation specialist with extensive experience in cargo operations and cultural transformation. With a deep understanding of the importance of validation and validation, he has a demonstrable track record of influencing change in people, processes and performance, leading to improved efficiency and increased employee effectiveness.
“I agreed to join the judging panel because I believe in promoting excellence and fairness in the shipping industry. By being part of the panel, I can apply the CARE principles – Commitment, Accountability, Recognition and Excellence – to ensure that submissions are evaluated fairly and transparently.
“My goal is to contribute to a structured and fair process that upholds the credibility of the awards, recognizes genuine contributions and encourages growth and innovation in the industry.
“These awards are important because they set standards for excellence, innovation and best practice in the shipping industry. They provide a platform to recognize outstanding achievements and motivate individuals and organizations to strive for higher standards. By participating, people not only showcase their achievements, but also contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and growth.” At the industry level.
For 20 years Ross Packer He worked at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The past six years have seen her work as Director of Shipping Partnerships. As such, she is responsible for cargo airline and network development in key markets in Asia and Africa, and is one of the key strategists in the Holland Flower Alliance, created by Schiphol, KLM and Royal Flora Holland.
Lisbeth Oudkirk He is an accomplished executive with over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, holding key leadership positions at Qatar Airways and KLM. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President, Cargo Sales and Network Planning at Qatar Airways, where she also served as Head of Cargo, where she oversaw commercial operations, P&L management and fleet strategy. At KLM, she excelled in several strategic roles including Vice President Digital Transformation and Vice President International Terminals, where she managed the airline’s global operations and led digital and commercial transformation initiatives, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Glenn Hughes He has been involved in air freight for over 40 years having started his career with British Caledonian in the UK. He joined IATA in 1991 and became IATA’s Global Head of Cargo in June 2014. In February 2021, Glenn joined TIACA as its first Director General.
“I am a firm believer in celebrating success, and it is a great honor to be asked to represent such an auspicious jury,” Hughes said. “Success inspires success and success creates positivity and translates into an enhanced sense of industry and organizational value, so I encourage all organizations to consider nominating themselves.”
