At Swiss WorldCargo, the cargo division of Swiss Air Lines, the search for a successor to Head of Cargo, Lorenzo Stoll, has begun. A few days ago, the executive announced his intention to leave the airline at the end of July 2024, after a total of 11 years with the company. He will take on a management position in the healthcare sector.
Innovative product structure
As Stoll will remain in charge of the Cargo division for another three months, it is a bit premature to pay tribute to his three years as Head of Cargo. However, one innovation that was introduced under his leadership and rolled out worldwide can already be highlighted: the modular product structure introduced on 01JUL23, providing cargo customers with more flexibility and tailored booking opportunities. The commodity-focused service offers the market a broad range of targeted solutions that cater to individual needs.
“From high-value goods to temperature-sensitive shipments and everything in between, we handle every commodity with expert care and precision. At Swiss WorldCargo, we extend the same level of quality and dedication to all types of shipments, ensuring excellence across our entire product portfolio. I’m very excited about our new offer structure, as I believe that it will bring added value to our customers thanks to the enhanced customization opportunities that come with it,” stated Mr. Stoll when introducing the flexible product structure in mid-2023.
Market expansion
This multiple-choice process of product decision-making will always be associated with Stoll’s name even after his planned departure from the company. This also applies to network expansions. Destinations such as Denver, Manchester, Bogotá, Washington D.C., Seoul, and Toronto were added to the flight schedule during his term, complementing the global network and opening up new markets for the carrier’s freight business.
Under Lorenzo’s reign, the division’s sustainability efforts were driven forward. This includes investments in SAF, a master lease agreement signed by Sonoco ThermoSafe and Swiss World Cargo for the deployment of a temp-controlled bulk shipping container, and the introduction of a lightweight active container. The latter is the result of a pact signed by the carrier’s cargo division, Swiss Airtainer and B.P.L. – Biotech & Pharma Logistics.
Treating the media as partners, not enemies
From a media standpoint, it should be mentioned that the executive is known for his open, collaborative, and professional approach to journalists. Internally, he is valued for his authentic and transparent style of communication and his effort to put Cargo in the spotlight, for instance at trade shows or industry events, a leading member of the Cargo team told CargoForwarder Global.
Especially at the beginning of his time as Head of Cargo, he benefited from the foundations laid by his predecessor, Ashwin Bhat, together with the entire staff. This proved to be particularly robust and flexible during the Covid pandemic. After the outbreak of Covid-19, the team hit the ground running, acted fast and got into crisis management mode in just a few weeks. In fact, cargo demand was high and the division’s response to market needs was fast.
Collective effort
The passenger seats of some of the B777-300ER passenger jetliners were removed so that hygienic materials, vaccines, face masks and other protective items could be accommodated in the cabins of the aircraft, in addition to the lower deck compartment. These flights were operated under unique and challenging circumstances. It was a collective effort by the entire staff of Swiss WorldCargo, even though the overall responsibility lay on the shoulders of helmsman, Ashwin Bhat. Ashwin’s legacy was driven forward when Lorenzo Stoll joined the Cargo division in 2021, leading it out of crisis mode step by step, and achieving the highest contribution ever to Swiss in the company’s records since its founding on 31MAR2002.
