10 fresh faces in air cargo in 2017

Rick Elieson

American Airlines Cargo promoted Rick Elieson to president of cargo, overseeing all aspects of the carrier’s worldwide cargo business. He now reports to Jim Butler, who had succeeded Art Torno as senior vice president, international and cargo, following Torno’s retirement after 38 years with the carrier. Elieson began his career on the Japanese desk in AA’s Fort Worth Reservations office in 1994, and has since held numerous positions in revenue management, pricing strategy, loyalty, digital and marketing.

Lynne Embleton

In early April, IAG Group appointed Lynne Embleton, formerly the managing director of British Airways at the U.K.’s Gatwick Airport, as the carrier’s new head of IAG Cargo. She stepped in as Drew Crawley left the CEO position after one year at the helm to become head of Avios, the loyalty program for parent company IAG Group. Embleton has been in the airline industry for more than 25 years with British Airways.

Tim Strauss

After a lengthy search, Air Canada Cargo named Tim Strauss, former vice president cargo for Hawaiian Airlines, as a replacement for Lise-Marie Turpin, who retired as cargo chief of the Canadian carrier. Strauss, known for his colorful Hawaiian shirts in his previous role, began donning colder-weather gear in early April, when he took the reins. Previously, he also served as managing director of global operations for Delta Airlines Cargo.

Andrés Bianchi

Andrés Bianchi started as CEO of LATAM Cargo on April 15. Bianchi, formerly senior vice-president of sales for North America, Europe and Asia, took over the helm of the troubled carrier after former CEO Cristián Ureta left the carrier after 11 years as CEO. Bianchi began his LATAM career in 2001, serving as vice president of finance and senior vice president, network.