The The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has named Mammen Tharakan as its next director general, tasking him with steering the organisation’s growth, innovation, and global engagement agenda.
Tharakan will take charge in August, succeeding Glyn Hughes, who has led the association since 2021 and announced his resignation earlier in March. In his new role, Tharakan will head TIACA’s Secretariat and collaborate closely with the board of directors to further its vision of a safe, profitable, and unified air cargo industry, representing stakeholders across the global supply chain.
The appointment signals a structured leadership transition, with Hughes working alongside Tharakan in the coming months to ensure continuity before stepping down into retirement.
Tharakan brings extensive experience across the aviation ecosystem, spanning airports, airlines, ground handling, e-commerce, route development, infrastructure, tourism, and investment promotion. His interest in air cargo began during his early tenure with Air France-KLM and continued through senior leadership roles at Edmonton International Airportand King Salman International Airport.
“After an extensive global search, the Board is delighted to welcome Mammen as TIACA’s next Director General,” stated Roos Bakker.
“His exceptional leadership experience, deep understanding of the global air cargo ecosystem, and proven ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the ideal person to lead TIACA into its next chapter.
“Our industry continues to evolve at pace, creating both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Mammen brings the strategic vision, commercial acumen, and collaborative leadership that will ensure TIACA continues to grow its influence, deliver value for our members, and unite the global air cargo community.”
Tharakan added: “It is a tremendous honor to be entrusted with leading TIACA at such an important time for our industry. Air cargo is critical to global trade and economic development, but its greatest impact is human. It improves lives and livelihoods around the world every day. TIACA plays a unique role in bringing together every sector of that ecosystem and championing its people.
I step into this role with great respect for what Glyn, the team, and the Board have achieved. The path forward is clear – grow our membership, deepen the value we deliver, and strengthen our visibility globally.
“I am excited to work alongside our Board, our members, our industry partners, and the dedicated Secretariat team to foster even greater collaboration across the air cargo value chain. Together, we have a remarkable opportunity to shape the future of our industry. Above all, this industry is powered by passionate people – I am eager to get to work, meet our members, and build together.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Hughes highlighted key achievements including expansion of TIACA’s global membership, the rollout of sustainability initiatives and research programmes, stronger member engagement, and the elevation of flagship events such as the Executive Summit and Air Cargo Forum. He also noted improvements in the association’s financial health and global influence.
Hughes said: “Serving as TIACA’s Director General over the past five years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
“Together with our Board, members, partners, and the Secretariat team, we have strengthened TIACA’s position as the global voice of air cargo, expanded our programs, grown our events, and reinforced our relevance across every sector of the industry.
“I am delighted to hand over the leadership of the Association to Mammen. His experience, energy, and passion for aviation make him exceptionally well suited to build on the strong foundation that has been created. I look forward to watching TIACA continue to thrive under his leadership.”
