Independent global freight management and logistics network The WACO System has elected a new executive board.

The appointments were confirmed at the organisation’s annual general meeting in Sorrento, Italy, where it also celebrated 50 years of operations.

The half century milestone was formally toasted at a gala dinner attended by 150 WACO delegates – the best attended event in the network’s history.

Richard Charles, chief executive of The WACO System, said: “Fifty years is a significant achievement for the network with many of our members having been with us for the majority of the journey.

“In 1973 WACO started with just seven members and has since grown to 124 members in 118 countries, which gives it the ability to offer shippers a superb, robust, and comprehensive forwarding solution.”

The newly elected executive board will serve a three-year term and includes: Reena Kapoor of ITN Logistics Group, member for Canada; Sean Bradley of dnata logistics, member for UAE; Vincent Touya of Dachser, member for Germany; Kristjan Palsson of Jonar Transport, member for Iceland; Stephen Knight of TransGlobal Freight Management, member for the UK (WACO Chairman); Arthur A. da Silva of Jet-Speed Air Cargo Forwarders, member for Hong Kong and China (WACO vice chairman).

Delegates at the AGM heard presentations from keynote speakers Brandon Fried, executive director, Airforwarders Association, and Hind Chitty, principal consultant at Drewry Supply Chains Advisory Practice, who analysed the air cargo and container shipping markets.