He will officially assume his new role in AUG2026, succeeding Glyn Hughes, who headed the cargo association since 2021. With this personnel decision, TIACA has filled its leadership positions noiselessly within nine months, following the departure of Honorary Chairman Steven Polmans in November 2025, with Roos Bakker taking his position. Under the stewardship of Polmans and Hughes, TIACA underwent a significant transformation, focusing on digitalization, sustainability, and innovation. It is now up to Bakker and Tharakan to continue and intensify this course, despite global macroeconomic hiccups and trade disruptions.
Mammen Tharakan was unanimously nominated following a rigorous selection process led by the TIACA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, with leaders considered from across the global air cargo community. In a press release, TIACA emphasizes that Tharakan, who has more than 25 years of international leadership experience across multiple countries, brings a unique combination of strategic vision, commercial expertise, and operational excellence. His career spans the breadth of the aviation ecosystem; airports, airlines, ground handling, ecommerce, route development, infrastructure, tourism, investment attraction; giving him a distinct perspective on the forces shaping air cargo. His interest in air cargo was sparked during his early career with Air France-KLM, and has carried through other senior leadership roles, including at Edmonton International Airport and King Salman International Airport in Riyadh.
Wide range of tasks
As Director General, the 43 year-old Qatar-born and Canadian national, Mammen Tharakan will lead the Association’s Secretariat and work closely with the TIACA Board of Directors to advance its vision of a safe, profitable, and united air cargo industry, representing members across every sector of the global air cargo supply chain.
“After an extensive global search, the Board is delighted to welcome Mammen as TIACA’s next Director General. 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,” states Roos Bakker, TIACA Chair.
“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,” shared, Glyn Hughes, outgoing TIACA Director General.
Leadership transition
“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,” said Mammen Tharakan.
The manager went on to say: “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.”
The appointment marks the beginning of a carefully planned leadership transition, with Glyn Hughes working closely alongside Toronto-based Mammen Tharakan to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities before assuming his planned retirement.
Polmans and Hughes have taken TIACA to a whole new level
Under Glyn Hughes’ five-year tenure and Steven Polmans’ role as dynamic chair, TIACA strengthened its position as the leading global association representing every sector of the air cargo industry. During their leadership, the Association expanded its global membership, launched new sustainability initiatives and industry research, enhanced member engagement, and elevated flagship events including the Executive Summit and Air Cargo Forum while strengthening TIACA’s financial position and international influence. With Mammen Tharakan’s appointment, TIACA remains firmly committed to supporting, leading, and uniting the global air cargo industry while continuing to advocate for innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and the long-term success of its members worldwide.
