New structure paves the way for European growth for BA World Cargo (12/07/2005)

British Airways World Cargo has unveiled its new management team in Europe. The carrier has restructured its commercial organisation in the region by establishing four areas: North West Europe; South East Europe; East & Central Europe and South West Europe. The changes were undertaken to meet key commercial and operational challenges for the benefit of customers in the region and were made following a wide-ranging review of the business by David Shepherd, BA World Cargo's General Manager Europe.

After a comprehensive recruitment process, a series of new appointments has been made, as detailed below:

• John Cheetham - Area Commercial Manager, North West Europe
• Erdogan Artuna - Area Commercial Manager, South East Europe
• Beata Rosa-Szypula - Area Commercial Manager, East & Central Europe
• Keith McDonald - Area Commercial Manager, South West Europe
• Tony Davies - Area Customer Service Manager, Europe

The new team will play a significant role in building BA World Cargo's business in Europe, as David Shepherd explains: "The new team will have a greater focus on strategic development to grow the business. Whilst there are significant challenges in the market, we have a strong offering in Europe through our shorthaul freighter service linking into our mainline global passenger network, as well as the point to point longhaul options offered from Germany. We feel that it is the right time to prove to the rest of the market that we have a competitive offering. A more streamlined approach to our business will allow the new team to get closer to customers and better understand their needs.

"This has been a difficult period for the business with yield pressures in particular felt across the region and, in making these changes; we have had to make tough decisions. However, the solid foundation we have already established will enable us to successfully develop the business moving forward."

This is the second stage of restructuring BA World Cargo's European management following the appointment of David Shepherd as General Manager Europe on 1 June, 2004.

Tony Nothman, Regional Vice President, UK & Ireland, Europe & Africa, is looking forward to the new opportunities for the region: "We are in a fiercely competitive marketplace and need to be on the front foot with customers to highlight the benefits that BA World Cargo offers. We're confident that the new team is equipped to achieve this by delivering a robust and competitive customer proposition."

Tony Davies has been appointed as Area Customer Service Manager, with overall responsibility for all aspects of customer service throughout Europe. This will be a focal point for customers in the region and will bring a co-ordinated approach to key issues in Europe such as the demands of legislation and security provision.

David Shepherd added: "Tony Davies' new role is essential to the overall framework for Europe and it will allow our new Area Commercial Managers to focus on growing business and strategic development. We feel that going forward, the right structure is in place and we are optimistic about the future."