Turkish Airlines has named Ali Türk as its new chief cargo officer as it announced the departure of Turhan Özen from the company.

Özen held the chief cargo officer position at Turkish Airlines for more than seven years since his appointment on October 7, 2016.

Turkish Airlines said in the announcement that Özen has decided to pursue his career outside the company.

Following this, he will hand over his duties to Türk as of January 1, 2024.

Türk previously joined Turkish Airlines in 2011 and continued his role as head of cargo in 2012, according to the announcement.

He was most recently the deputy general manager of Supply Chain Management at Turkcell —  a telecommunication and technology services provider and its group companies —  responsible for procurement, logistics, leasing, contract data management, transition rights, construction, and real estate processes from March 2017 to December 2023.

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines also amended its organisational structure, with the position of chief commercial officer changing to chief operational officer.

Following this decision, Kerem Sarp, who served as the chief commercial officer, will continue as the general manager of Ajet Air Transport A.Ş., and Mehmet Akif Konar has been appointed as the chief operational officer.

Özen, who joined Turkish Airlines with over 25 years of experience in supply chain management and logistics sectors, significantly increased the revenues and global market share of the airline's cargo brand, Turkish Cargo.

In early 2022, Turkish Cargo moved to SmartIst, Europe's largest air cargo facility, and recorded significant improvements in customer focus, service quality, and product range during this period.

The carrier also achieved the IATA CEIV certificates for Pharma, Perishables, Live Animals and Lithium Batteries.

Turkish is looking to continue its cargo expansion and has recently ordered five A350F freighters from Airbus.