After six years steering the International Air Cargo Association TIACA through transformation and turbulence, Steven Polmans closed his final forum as Chair with characteristic humour, honesty, and a reminder that leadership in air cargo is always a team sport.

“We have the best team in the world,” Polmans said. “The board has been an amazing supporter and driver for TIACA. We rebuilt governance so that every region and every vertical has a voice, and since then we’ve never struggled for engagement – only for time, because the discussions have become richer and more demanding.”

Under his tenure, TIACA reshaped itself from a traditional association into what he described as “the industry’s own platform” – representing forwarders, handlers, airports, airlines, and digital innovators under one roof. The overhaul of bylaws and governance frameworks ensured inclusivity that mirrored the industry’s growing diversity.