SPOTLIGHTING THE BEST, BRIGHTEST & BRAVEST OF THE NEXT GENERATION
The AntwerpXL 40 Under 40 campaign showcases the rising stars of the breakbulk and heavy lift industry. Our 40 Under 40 recognises both those with the greatest potential to become industry leaders in the future and those who have achieved greatness already. Our chosen 40 successful applicants have now been chosen. You can find their profiles here, & they will be celebrated at AntwerpXL itself with a special drinks reception held in their honour.
Class of 2020
Adam Tindall-Schlicht
Adam Tindall-schlicht
Director, Port Milwaukee
"Empathy is being concerned about the human being, not just their output”
Adam was appointed Director of Port Milwaukee in 2018. In this role, he oversees and directs the port’s multimodal operations, which generate over US$100 million in local economic activity each year. In his tenure, he’s already massively increased the port’s overall tonnage and amount of cargo handled.
"Empathy is being concerned about the human being, not just their output”
Adam was appointed Director of Port Milwaukee in 2018. In this role, he oversees and directs the port’s multimodal operations, which generate over US$100 million in local economic activity each year. In his tenure, he’s already massively increased the port’s overall tonnage and amount of cargo handled.
Amanda Labee
Amanda Labee
Assistant Vice President, XELLZ B.V.
"It is not about thinking outside the box. It's realizing there is no box."
Working in the logistics industry for several years, Amanda developed a strong interest in the project logistics and management sector. As a genuine problem solver, front runner and constantly looking for opportunities, she has demonstrated to be a superb addition to the XELLZ management team.
Watch career video "It is not about thinking outside the box. It's realizing there is no box."
Working in the logistics industry for several years, Amanda developed a strong interest in the project logistics and management sector. As a genuine problem solver, front runner and constantly looking for opportunities, she has demonstrated to be a superb addition to the XELLZ management team.
Anders Maul
Anders Maul
Commercial Director, Energy & Projects, Blue Water Shipping
“The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary”
Anders is an important part of the management team within the Energy and Projects Division at Blue Water Shipping. He’s also responsible for the commercial aspects of the division – he’s set up a tender and data intelligence office in London, which is growing all the time.
“The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary”
Anders is an important part of the management team within the Energy and Projects Division at Blue Water Shipping. He’s also responsible for the commercial aspects of the division – he’s set up a tender and data intelligence office in London, which is growing all the time.
anna barska
anna barska
MD, Pol-Agent Co. Ltd.
“Together we are strong”
Anna’s powerful managing style has been influential in developing all areas of Pol-Agent Co. Ltd., especially in project cargo. She leads big contracts and manages 85 people located across four different office spaces.
“Together we are strong”
Anna’s powerful managing style has been influential in developing all areas of Pol-Agent Co. Ltd., especially in project cargo. She leads big contracts and manages 85 people located across four different office spaces.
Anish Chakraborty
anish chakraborty
FLEXIGISTIC LLC
“Learning is the only mantra to pursue in life and as long as you bring your passion and dedication, that’s the key to success”
Anish leads a team of more than 100 people across the Middle East, handling projects across the breakbulk spectrum, working with MP vessels, bulk carrier vessels and container vessels. He’s also a business-head, responsible for the growth of FLEXIGISTIC LLC.
watch career video “Learning is the only mantra to pursue in life and as long as you bring your passion and dedication, that’s the key to success”
Anish leads a team of more than 100 people across the Middle East, handling projects across the breakbulk spectrum, working with MP vessels, bulk carrier vessels and container vessels. He’s also a business-head, responsible for the growth of FLEXIGISTIC LLC.
Blanca Claeyssens
Blanca Claeyssens
“We are fed up throwing away and consuming, let’s stop wasting and be sustainable”
At ASA France, Blanca has played a critical role in mixing her knowledge of the aviation industry to move the project cargo world forward.
watch career video At ASA France, Blanca has played a critical role in mixing her knowledge of the aviation industry to move the project cargo world forward.
Caroline Laurijsen
Caroline Laurijsen
Transport Architect, Remant Africa & Project Logistics
“Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try”
Caroline is a hands-on breakbulk specialist, driving operations across the world, including in remote locations.
“Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try”
Caroline is a hands-on breakbulk specialist, driving operations across the world, including in remote locations.
Elvis Tuyishime
Elvis Tuyishime
Managing Director, Levy trading Ltd
Emre Can Atak
Emre Can Atak
Business Development Manager, LimakPort Iskenderun
Hrvoje Livaja
Hrvoje Livaja
President of the Management Board, Luka Ploče d.d.
Hrvoje arrived to the Port of Ploče as the new CEO in early 2019. Since then his strong and guided hand has made a tremendous difference in the port, particularly with breakbulk cargo. His strong leadership has caused a ripple of positive effects both in the quality of the port and the morale of its employees.
Hrvoje arrived to the Port of Ploče as the new CEO in early 2019. Since then his strong and guided hand has made a tremendous difference in the port, particularly with breakbulk cargo. His strong leadership has caused a ripple of positive effects both in the quality of the port and the morale of its employees.
Jason Christie
Jason Christie
Operations Director, Into Africa Project Logistics
Joris Ooms
Joris Ooms
Visualisation Manager, Mammoet
Justin Miller
Justin Miller
VIP of Commercial Services, US Ocean LLC
“Old industry needs new blood and new ideas to thrive”
Justin is responsible for leading the pricing, chartering and business development initiatives for the largest US multipurpose vessel operator in the world. He’s been influential in the growth and diversification of US Ocean LLC’s fleet, business segments and client base.
“Old industry needs new blood and new ideas to thrive”
Justin is responsible for leading the pricing, chartering and business development initiatives for the largest US multipurpose vessel operator in the world. He’s been influential in the growth and diversification of US Ocean LLC’s fleet, business segments and client base.
Klemen Butala
Klemen Butala
Commercial Director, COMARK, d.o.o.
Laura De Wel
Laura De Wel
Marine Surveyor, IMCS bv.
“Find something you are good at and then make it better”
After spending time at sea as a merchant marine deck officer, Laura quickly became one of Antwerp’s leading marine surveyors. She has also co-developed and managed several worldwide ship inspection programmes.
“Find something you are good at and then make it better”
After spending time at sea as a merchant marine deck officer, Laura quickly became one of Antwerp’s leading marine surveyors. She has also co-developed and managed several worldwide ship inspection programmes.
Laurent Moyersoen
Laurent Moyersoen
Product Owner Customs, NxtPort
“If the digitization did not succeed in the past, it will succeed today”
Laurent is ambitious and creative. As a product owner at NxtPort, Laurent has developed deep insights into customs procedures and delivers great solutions for clients.
“If the digitization did not succeed in the past, it will succeed today”
Laurent is ambitious and creative. As a product owner at NxtPort, Laurent has developed deep insights into customs procedures and delivers great solutions for clients.
Lisbeth Daenens
Lisbeth Daenens
Chartering Manager, Belgo Iberian Maritime
Mahesh Singh
Mahesh Singh
MD, Trans Coral Shipping LLC
“Every individual is different – there is no one route to success”
Mahesh started his career as a Deck Cadet at the age of 20. Ever since, he’s worked his way up the ranks, from Operations Executive to Operations Manager, and now, he owns his own breakbulk company, with offices in Dubai, Sharjah and Mumbai.
watch career video “Every individual is different – there is no one route to success”
Mahesh started his career as a Deck Cadet at the age of 20. Ever since, he’s worked his way up the ranks, from Operations Executive to Operations Manager, and now, he owns his own breakbulk company, with offices in Dubai, Sharjah and Mumbai.
Mateo Lukin
Mateo Lukin
Commercial Manager Shortsea, Conti7
Since joining Conti7, Mateo has shown an excellent commitment to driving its commercial wing. He’s quicky progressed through the organisation and has a great future ahead of him.
Since joining Conti7, Mateo has shown an excellent commitment to driving its commercial wing. He’s quicky progressed through the organisation and has a great future ahead of him.
Mateusz Dziechciarz
Mateusz Dziechciarz
Operations and Commercial Manager, POL-AGENT CO. Ltd.
“Success in breakbulk comes down to taking an individual approach to serving cargos – all are unique”
Mateusz confronts challenges with new, innovative ideas, looking to push the freight forwarding industry on. He now occupies a managerial position, and sees his ideas come to fruition.
“Success in breakbulk comes down to taking an individual approach to serving cargos – all are unique”
Mateusz confronts challenges with new, innovative ideas, looking to push the freight forwarding industry on. He now occupies a managerial position, and sees his ideas come to fruition.
Mathieu Muzeau
Mathieu Muzeau
General Manager, Louis Dreyfus Port & Logistics and ALM SHIPPING MANAGEMENT LTD
Mathieu has excellently led numerous significant shipping projects. For example, he recently led the biggest bauxite transhipment project in Guinea with eight vessels involved, 18 million tonnes of bauxite transported, and more than 250 people involved.
Mathieu has excellently led numerous significant shipping projects. For example, he recently led the biggest bauxite transhipment project in Guinea with eight vessels involved, 18 million tonnes of bauxite transported, and more than 250 people involved.
Matthijs Dekker
Matthijs Dekker
Manager of Laso Netherlands, Laso Transportes SA
He’s the youngest director at Laso Transportes SA, showing great maturity and commitment to his work. He’s got very far in a short period of time and has much more to come ahead of him.
He’s the youngest director at Laso Transportes SA, showing great maturity and commitment to his work. He’s got very far in a short period of time and has much more to come ahead of him.
Murilo Caldana
Murilo caldana
Project Director and Shareholder, FOX Brasil Project Logistics
“Love it or leave it”
In eight years of work, Murilo transformed a medium-sized Brazilian freight forwarder into one of the market leaders, becoming president of the Heavy Lift Group in the process.
“Love it or leave it”
In eight years of work, Murilo transformed a medium-sized Brazilian freight forwarder into one of the market leaders, becoming president of the Heavy Lift Group in the process.
Randy Hillsman
Randy Hillsman
Senior Project Cargo Manager, G2 Ocean
“Spend more of your time focusing on the opportunities of tomorrow, rather than the problems of yesterday”
Randy is one of the biggest names at G2 Ocean. He’s been absolutely influential in growing the global project cargo business.
“Spend more of your time focusing on the opportunities of tomorrow, rather than the problems of yesterday”
Randy is one of the biggest names at G2 Ocean. He’s been absolutely influential in growing the global project cargo business.
Rasmus Elsborg-Jensen
Rasmus Elsborg-Jensen
CEO & Founder, ReFlow Maritime
“Maritime sustainability no more than a good intention if you don’t set quantifiable goals and have the ability to measure impacts”
Rasmus left the corporate world to pursue his passion to make the maritime industry more sustainable, launching his own start-up to provide digital tools for ship owners and suppliers to engage in circular maintenance.
“Maritime sustainability no more than a good intention if you don’t set quantifiable goals and have the ability to measure impacts”
Rasmus left the corporate world to pursue his passion to make the maritime industry more sustainable, launching his own start-up to provide digital tools for ship owners and suppliers to engage in circular maintenance.
Rok Strukelj
Rok Strukelj
MD, Centralog
“Never give up just because someone said it’s impossible”
Rok has positioned Centralog as one of the main project cargo logistic providers in its region. In the last four years, he’s overseen it handle close to USD 4 billion of goods value, and successfully complete over 260 projects.
“Never give up just because someone said it’s impossible”
Rok has positioned Centralog as one of the main project cargo logistic providers in its region. In the last four years, he’s overseen it handle close to USD 4 billion of goods value, and successfully complete over 260 projects.
Tia Meyvis
Tia Meyvis
Head of Business Intelligence & Analytics, Ahlers
“Dream big, work hard, stay focused & surround yourself with good people.”
Tia excels at Ahlers and is the Chairman of Young Forwarders Belgium, where her personality is inspiring the next generation to get to the top in the industry.
“Dream big, work hard, stay focused & surround yourself with good people.”
Tia excels at Ahlers and is the Chairman of Young Forwarders Belgium, where her personality is inspiring the next generation to get to the top in the industry.
Tycho Van Peteghem
Tycho Van Peteghem
Engineering and Procurement, Container Technics
“Keep an open mind and never settle”
Tycho is passionate about improving the breakbulk industry through technical innovations. He recently developed highly flexible lifting beams unique to the industry, as well as systems to improve the cargo intake for windmill blades.
“Keep an open mind and never settle”
Tycho is passionate about improving the breakbulk industry through technical innovations. He recently developed highly flexible lifting beams unique to the industry, as well as systems to improve the cargo intake for windmill blades.
Valentin Carlan
Valentin Carlan
Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Antwerp
“Spell out any idea you have, it might lead to solving a problem that many have”
Valentin is an innovative thinker. In particular, he’s done some brilliant research in the field of transport and logistics, working to bring solutions to society at large.
watch career video “Spell out any idea you have, it might lead to solving a problem that many have”
Valentin is an innovative thinker. In particular, he’s done some brilliant research in the field of transport and logistics, working to bring solutions to society at large.
Wouter Colaert
Wouter Colaert
Operations Director, Belforship
“DRIVEN – EXPERTISE – HANDS ON – FLEXIBLE”
Walter has a brilliant all-round knowledge of breakbulk operations, helping him to lead operations for Belforship with clarity and quality.
“DRIVEN – EXPERTISE – HANDS ON – FLEXIBLE”
Walter has a brilliant all-round knowledge of breakbulk operations, helping him to lead operations for Belforship with clarity and quality.
Wouter Gielen
Wouter Gielen
Project Manager, Deugro
Wouter Gielen
Wouter Gielen
Project Manager, Deugro
Wouter Gielen
Wouter Gielen
Project Manager, Deugro
Asare Bediako
Asare Bediako
Assistant Director, Hillpong Ghana Limited
Benjamin Harraway
Benjamin Harraway
General Manager, Portico
As part of the senior management team and second in command, Ben has recently been promoted from Commercial Manager to General Manager at Portico. Based on the south coast of the UK Portico is Portsmouth's deep water cargo terminal handling cargoes from fresh produce, break bulk and project cargo. Ben is currently leading the company's masterplanning project to shape the direction of the business for the next 20 years.
As part of the senior management team and second in command, Ben has recently been promoted from Commercial Manager to General Manager at Portico. Based on the south coast of the UK Portico is Portsmouth's deep water cargo terminal handling cargoes from fresh produce, break bulk and project cargo. Ben is currently leading the company's masterplanning project to shape the direction of the business for the next 20 years.
Jan Van Aerde
Jan Van Aerde
Owner, Independent Port Agencies BVBA
Jérémie Cochez
Jérémie Cochez
General Manager, Sitca
Jeroen Blacnkaert
Jeroen Blacnkaert
Commercial Manager, Katoen Natie Terminals/ Port Operations
Oliver De Wit
Oliver De Wit
Senior International Freight Forwarder, Lubbers Global Freight
Olivier is the rising star when it comes to project business at Lubbers Global Freight, carving out a distinguished career for himself.
Olivier is the rising star when it comes to project business at Lubbers Global Freight, carving out a distinguished career for himself.
Scott Lang
Scott Lang
Projects Manager, Armitt Group
Scott is adept at finding safe and economically efficient solutions to challenges when managing projects. He always stives to be better and always puts client needs first.
Scott is adept at finding safe and economically efficient solutions to challenges when managing projects. He always stives to be better and always puts client needs first.
Steven Schutter
Steven Schutter
Product Owner & Community Builder, NxtPort
Steven has been working to build NxtPort’s “Bulkchain” over the last two years, a collaborative, innovative platform designed to digitalise the communication between breakbulk terminals, forwarders and ship agent communities.
Steven has been working to build NxtPort’s “Bulkchain” over the last two years, a collaborative, innovative platform designed to digitalise the communication between breakbulk terminals, forwarders and ship agent communities.
Yves Van Meirvenne
Yves Van Meirvenne
Business Development Executive, Portilog
He is a dynamic force and an enthusiastic director, somebody that encourages life-long learning.
He is a dynamic force and an enthusiastic director, somebody that encourages life-long learning.
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