The Airforwarders Association (AfA) said Executive Director Brandon Fried will retire at the end of the year, following a long‑planned decision shared with members at the association's general meeting on February 16.

During the transition period, Fried will continue to carry out his responsibilities in full, leading the AfA's advocacy, policy engagement, and member activities until his successor has been appointed.

The Board of Directors has employed an executive search consultant to recruit the new leader and an appointment is expected toward the end of the year.

AfA said Fried was elected Chair of the Board of Directors in 2001 and has served as Executive Director since 2005, growing the number of corporate members to more than 225.

The AfA represents U.S. air freight forwarders and companies involved in air cargo logistics, advocating on regulatory and security issues, coordinating with federal agencies, and providing industry training and forums to address operational challenges across the air cargo supply chain.