Mammen Tharakan has been appointed as the new director general of TIACA, succeeding Glyn Hughes in August 2023.
The International Air Cargo Association has named airport executive Mammen Tharakan as its next director general, reported TIACA. He will take over in August from Glyn Hughes, who has led the organization since 2021.
Tharakan has been vice president of airlines, commercial, public venues, cargo, and logistics partnerships at the King Salman International Airport Development Company in Riyadh for the past three years. The company, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is building a second airport in the capital capable of handling 100 million passengers annually by 2030.
Before that, he was director of e-commerce, cargo, and aviation real estate at Edmonton International Airport in Canada for nearly five years. He also worked as an Air France-KLM station manager in several North American cities.
TIACA stated that Mr. Tharakan was chosen for his strategic vision, commercial expertise, and operational excellence. Chairwoman Roos Bakker mentioned that his leadership would help the association grow its influence, deliver value for members, and unite the global air cargo community.
Mr. Hughes will work alongside Mr. Tharakan to ensure a smooth transition before retiring. During his tenure, TIACA expanded membership, launched sustainability initiatives, strengthened finances, and elevated events such as the Executive Summit and Air Cargo Forum.
The association will host its Air Cargo Forum in Miami from 26 to 29 October.
