WFS signals global ambition with senior appointments

Global cargo ground handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has announced a raft of senior appointments.

Group chief executive Craig Smyth said that the appointments signal WFS’ ambition to build its operations globally. WFS is a major cargo handler, processing 6.3m tonnes a year for 300 airline customers.

WFS’ Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia regions will be divided into two service product regions: Cargo and Ground Handling, to "facilitate the execution of the company’s strategic plans," said WFS in a statement.

Will Facey, currently head of network operations at EasyJet, will join WFS late August this year as executive vice president, ground handling operations for Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia (EMEAA).

Facey, said WFS, brings to the role "tremendous knowledge of the low-cost airline sector and understands the reliance airlines are increasingly putting on their ground handling partners".

The appointments also support WFS’ strategy of creating "strong central functions and providing expert support" to its experienced regional leadership teams and operations

Barry Nassberg, formerly group chief operating office, becomes group chief commercial officer, reporting to Smyth. He will be responsible for leading and co-ordinating WFS’ network commercial activities.

Justin Jaques, formerly VP Asia & Middle East, will become senior vice president group commercial, reporting to Nassberg, to focus on global key accounts and major tenders.

The new WFS commercial function will operate from Roissy, Paris. WFS has also named Catherine Thomas as general counsel & head of legal. Thomas brings with her 25 years of legal experience acquired in the UK and in France.

WFS has also appointed David Clark as global as head of safety & security, Pedro Garcia as chief information officer, and Fabienne Bricaud as global head of people.

Smyth said: “We have clear strategic goals for the future of WFS and the leadership team we are building will drive this next phase of our expansion. In putting this team together, we are combining the existing knowledge and extensive expertise already in the company with new blood as we develop our world class suite of aviation services for our customers through our one global network.”

WFS has annual revenues of over €1bn. It is present at 198 major airports in 21 countries serving 50m passengers in addition to its cargo portfolio.