Valentin Elistratov, global commercial director, GefcoAutomotive transport and logistics provider Gefco has nominated five new managers in its global freight forwarding business with the goal of expanding the division to serve a growing portfolio of industrial customers with diverse requirements.

Heading the appointees is Valentin Elistratov (pictured) as global commercial director. He joins the company with 25 years’ experience in the logistics and freight forwarding industry covering primarily Europe and Asia. He has worked for many years as a senior business developer for various world-leading brands, including DHL and APL Logistics.

“A solid leader with a proven sales track record, strong financial and IT acumen, and the ability to foster relationships internally and externally, Valentin will drive Gefco freight forwarding’s ambitious expansion plans worldwide in the coming year,” the French company said.

The company is targeting growth in Asia, in particular, with the naming of a new regional director, Katherine Shek. Previously in charge of freight forwarding for the company’s North Asia region where, Gefco said, she was instrumental in transforming results over the last two years, she will now be responsible for all of Asia. Two targets Gefco highlighted were Singapore and Thailand.

The other appointees are: Karin Van Den Brekel, life science and healthcare global manager; Peter West, country director for Australia and New Zealand; and Alicja Szewczyk, global human resources people and culture manager.

“This announcement highlights the positive trajectory of the division’s overall freight forwarding offer and its robust expertise in time-critical solutions (TCS), industrial project cargo (IPC) and life sciences and healthcare logistics solutions,” stated the company.