The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has named Stephen Parker as its new director general to succeed Robert Keen, who will be retiring from full-time employment with the trade association in 2023.

In a statement, BIFA said at the end of 2022, Parker retired from his position as head of Customs UK at DHL Global Forwarding and commenced his new role with BIFA from the start of the new year.

Parker's career spans over four decades in freight and logistics.

Having secured a position with Pandair in the early 1970s, it could be said that he leaves DHL having worked for the same company, as Pandair was bought by AEI, which in turn was acquired by Danzas, which was then acquired by DHL.

A previous Chair of BIFA from 2011 to 2013, he has served on the UK trade association's Board of Directors and chaired its Customs Policy Group. He will stay as Chair of FIATA's Customs Affairs Institute.

Robert Keen was appointed director general of BIFA in 2014 and has been at the helm of the trade association during a very turbulent period for its members in light of the constant changes to trading conditions caused by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are delighted that Stephen has accepted our invitation to become director general. Having served as a non-executive director for many years and been heavily involved in some of our policy groups, he is well-versed in the work that BIFA undertakes and hits the ground running from day one," said Rachel Morley, BIFA national chair.

"We are also pleased that Robert will not be leaving just yet, having agreed to manage BIFA's working relationships with other organisations and associations as international relations manager, and will be available to ensure that the transition of director generals is seamless," Morley added.

Parker, for his part, welcomed his new role.

"I am really pleased to be offered the opportunity to lead the trade association and am looking forward to working with the talented staff and management team at BIFA’s secretariat, as well as the Board of Directors, Council, Policy Groups and Regional committees," he said.