Florian Pfaff, Lufthansa Cargo’s Vice President Germany leaves Frankfurt to become Vice President Asia Pacific for the German carrier. This was announced by Lufthansa Cargo today (21
March). He follows Australian national Frank Naeve in this position.
Naeve, who exits the cargo arm of the German airline, has been appointed Lufthansa Group Vice President Airline Sales for The Americas, based in New York.
Pfaff comes…
Florian Pfaff’s future field of action encompasses thousands of kilometers, ranging from Japan to Australia, Taiwan to Thailand. Hardly comparable, at least from the vast distance’s side, to his
rather small German home turf measured by north-south, east-west distance. Sounds like his future job includes a lot of traveling for meeting customers, spending many hours on board of aircraft
crossing Asian skies.
Effective June 1, he will assume his new role of VP Asia-Pacific, based in Singapore. Herr Pfaff will continue to report directly to Dorothea von Boxberg, Chief Commercial Officer at LH Cargo and
member of the Executive Board.
…Naeve goes
Simultaneously, Pfaff’s predecessor Frank Naeve will move to New York, becoming LH Group VP Airline Sales for The Americas, focusing on passenger matters. The Group consists of Lufthansa
Passenger Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss Air Lines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and regional European carriers such as SunExpress and Tyrolean Airways.
Forwarders express regrets
In first reactions, local forwarding agents regretted Florian Pfaff’s forthcoming move to the Far East. As did the management of Frankfurt-based Quick Cargo Service. “After Juergen Siebenrock’s
departure some years ago, we again lose a top Lufthansa Cargo manager who made a name for himself as a highly dedicated, extremely customer-centric and non-arrogant cargo professional. No matter
what the topic is, you can discuss everything with Florian. Almost daily we were and still are in direct contact with him, debating air freight issues and sometimes charter missions as well.
Having said this, we congratulate him to his new assignment, wish him utmost success but regret his departure,” QCS stated.
José Sanchez, National Product Manager Air Freight of Austrian forwarding agent Gebrueder Weiss also expressed his utmost respect for Florian Pfaff’s commitment. “Our relation is based on trust
and reciprocal support. He is always open for constructive criticism and suggestions how to make air freight flows better. We can only hope that LH Cargo’s next VP Germany keeps up Florian’s good
work and brings in some new ideas as well.”
Succession is still undecided
Herr Pfaff started his career at LH Cargo in 1989. After holding various marketing positions, he was appointed General Manager Sales and Marketing Germany in 1994. From 2000 onwards, Pfaff was
responsible for various sales regions on the American continent from Los Angeles. In January 2005 he was recalled to Frankfurt and appointed Vice President Global Account Management. In May 2006,
he assumed responsibility for sales and handling in more than 90 countries and 120 stations in Europe and Africa. As Vice President Germany since May 2011, J. Florian Pfaff has headed Lufthansa
Cargo's entire sales and handling activities in its home market Germany.
It is still undecided as to who will be his successor.
Heiner Siegmund
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