Swissport International AG, a global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has appointed Detlef Trefzger as a non-executive director to its board of directors.
He is the former CEO of Kuehne+Nagel, where he served from March 2013 to July 2022. During his tenure, the company developed into the world's largest transport and logistics service provider and invested heavily in new technologies and digitalization as well as in sustainable transport and logistics services. Trefzger was also responsible for the acquisition of Apex International, which significantly expanded Kuehne+Nagel's airfreight presence in Asia.
Prior to his role as CEO of Kuehne+Nagel, Trefzger held various senior positions at DB Schenker AG, including executive vice president of global contract logistics and supply chain management. He began his career as senior project manager at Siemens AG and later worked as principal at Roland Berger & Partner in the transportation and logistics sector. He holds a doctorate from the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
In addition to his new role at Swissport, Trefzger serves as a member of the board of directors for easyJet plc (UK), Accelleron Industries AG (Switzerland), Swiss Prime Site AG (Switzerland) and PSA International (Singapore). He is also an operating advisor to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, a private investment firm, as well as the owner and founder of advisory firm Larix Equity.
“We are delighted to welcome Detlef Trefzger to our board of directors,” said David Siegel, chairman of the board of Swissport International AG. “His exceptional track record and deep industry expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
Trefzger’s appointment follows the recent addition of Janina Kugel, former managing board member and chief human resources officer of Siemens AG, and Julian Diaz Gonzalez, former long-serving CEO of Dufry, to the Swissport Board of Directors in July 2024. Their collective expertise strengthens Swissport’s governance and will help guide the company through its next phase of strategic growth.
Swissport’s board of directors is responsible for setting the company’s strategic priorities and ensuring compliance with corporate governance best practices to support its global operations.
