Global aircraft charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has appointed experienced freight forwarding executive Russell Cook to head up its automotive vertical.

Cook has spent over three decades working in the freight forwarding sector, the last 20 of which looking after clients in the automotive sector.

In his new role as industry vertical director At Chapman Freeborn, which is part of the Avia Solutions Group, he will manage automotive clients globally assisting with their supply chains and work director with freight forwarders.

Cook previously held roles at companies including Emery Worldwide, UPS, and DB Schenker, and also co-founded a fintech start-up.

He said: “The automotive vertical at Chapman Freeborn is a specialist area of service delivery and I am delighted to provide this unique opportunity and value proposition to our clients.

“I look forward to utilising my two decades of insight and expertise on global automotive supply chains to provide structure to the vertical and engage with clients, new and existing, across the world.

“In the coming weeks and months, I will recruit a successful global team to help achieve my goals for the department and those of the wider business.”

Cook will report to Neil Dursley, group chief commercial officer at Chapman Freeborn. “I have known Russell for over 20 years and it’s a real pleasure to have him join Chapman Freeborn as Vertical Director – Automotive,” said Dursley.

“He has decades of success and experience in this sector and will be a great support to our freight forwarding and automotive clients.”