Over the last week some interesting shifts have happened with BBC Chartering moving one of its colleagues from Leer to Houston and Chapman Freeborn appointing a new head for its automotive department.

BBC Chartering moves Kopfensteiner to Houston

BBC Chartering has decided to move Tim Kopfensteiner, until now Chief Chartering Officer in Leer, to Houston in July. Later this year he will succeed Per Petersen as President of BBC Chartering USA.

Petersen will be retiring towards the end of 2023. Alexander Fürst, who has been Chartering Manager in Singapore, will take over the position of Tim in Leer.

“It’s an honor to be taking over as President in BBC Chartering USA. Taking over from a gentleman like Per Petersen will be challenging. He has been an integral part of our position in the market as the leading breakbulk carrier. Though I look forward to the challenge in continuing to grow the BBC brand and to continue carrying the BBC torch in Houston,” said Tim Kopfensteiner.

Alexander Fürst added, “I am excited to be taking on the role of the Chief Chartering Officer in our head office in Germany, to be part of the BBC family here and work with such a talented group of professionals. I am honoured to be following Tim’s footsteps and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Chapman Freeborn picks new Industry Vertical Director – Automotive

Chapman Freeborn, the global aircraft charter specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has appointed Russell Cook as Industry Vertical Director – Automotive. Cook has had a career in freight forwarding for over 30 years, 20 of which have been spent looking after automotive clients.

He previously held roles at companies including Emery Worldwide, UPS, and DB Schenker, and also co-founded a fintech startup.

In his new role as Industry Vertical Director – Automotive, Cook will engage with Chapman Freeborn’s automotive clients globally, assist with their supply chains, and work with freight forwarders directly, based on each situation’s individual needs.

“The automotive vertical at Chapman Freeborn is a specialist area of service delivery and I am delighted to provide this unique opportunity and value proposition to our clients,” Cook said. “I look forward to utilising my two decades of insight and expertise on global automotive supply chains to provide structure to the vertical and engage with clients, new and existing, across the world,” he said

Cook will report to Neil Dursley, Group CCO at Chapman Freeborn.