In its most sweeping geographic expansion to date, IJS Global, Inc., the fast-growing multi-modal freight forwarder, customs broker and non-vessel operating common carrier, has launched operations throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
IJS Global�s expansion includes the opening of the EMEA headquarters in Amsterdam, theNetherlands, the start of Dutch operations at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, and the launch of its Middle East support center in Dubai, located at the Dubai Airport Free Zone Area.
Sjoerd Van Loon, one of the world�s most experienced freight forwarding executives, will head the EMEA network. In the past decade, Van Loon has run EMEA operations for the former Air Express International Corp., Danzas AEI Intercontinental and Exel. His new title at IJS Global will be CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The Dubai regional office is headed by Shamsudeen Ahmed, who has been named regional director and will report to Sjoerd Van Loon. Ahmed has fulfilled similar senior positions for Panalpina and Schenker. His most recent assignment was regional director, Middle East for Exel.
The expansion positions IJS Global in the Middle East and Africa for the first time, and dramatically broadens its European presence. Until now, Italy was the only European market where IJS Global operated. In recent months, IJS Global has focused its international expansion efforts on the USA and Asia.
�This is a major step in building out our global footprint,� said John Gallahan, president and CEO, IJS Global. �As we have stated, we would focus first on growing our presence in Asia, and then turn our attention to Europe, the Middle East and, in particular, Dubai. We are now beginning to complete the foundation of our global network.�
Gallahan continued, �We are absolutely delighted to have Sjoerd Van Loon join our team. Sjoerd is a highly respected member of the European logistics industry and he adds considerable experience and depth to our executive team.�
Sjoerd van Loon added, �The global consolidation among multi-national freight forwarders is triggering compelling opportunities in almost every market. As large companies merge and combine, smaller global freight forwarders step into the breach to offer opportunities to professionals looking to move on and make a difference elsewhere. For me, IJS Global could not have come along at a better time.�
ABOUT IJS GLOBAL INC.
Headquartered in Stamford, Ct, IJS Global, Inc. ( www.ijsglobal.com) is building a global logistics footprint through a carefully calibrated strategy of internal growth and timely acquisitions. It operates out of seven U.S. offices as well as internationally through a network of agents and company owned offices