Swissport has appointed new leaders for the US and Canada regions.

In a statement, it said that Nelson Camacho, formerly the company's chief operating officer for Swissport in the US and Canada, assumed the role of CEO for the region at the start of July, taking over from Frank Mena, who retired after a 45-year career in the aviation industry.

Swissport said Camacho will be driving the company's development in one of Swissport's largest and most important markets worldwide.

Across the US and Canada, Swissport's aviation services are relied upon by over 300 airlines on a daily basis at more than 80 airports.

In addition to its core business of passenger services and ramp handling, the company also provides aviation fueling, lounge hospitality and executive aviation services in the US and Canada.

"Our potential in the US and Canada is huge, and we have been gearing up to grow our business — especially in the domestic arena where Swissport is not quite as well known yet," says Warwick Brady, president & CEO of Swissport International AG.

"We want to anchor our brand as the preferred partners for airlines — from network to no-frills carriers in the US and Canada. I am pleased Nelson has taken over the lead on this exciting journey," he added.

Camacho joined Swissport as COO for the US and Canada in March 2023. Prior to joining, he was COO at GAT Airline Ground Support for the company's US operations, overseeing safety, culture, compliance, administrative, and operational functions. 

New chief people officer for US, Canada

Meanwhile, Swissport also announced that effective July 31, 2023, Stacey Brown was appointed chief people officer for the US and Canada, reporting to  Camacho.

Brown has a track record of employee development and retention — working in labour and employment litigation and was chief HR officer for DB Schenker in the Americas. Most recently, she held the position of chief HR Officer at First Hospitality.