Current Director General, Colin Beaumont, has agreed to postpone his planned retirement for an interim period whilst BIFA conducts that process to appoint a successor.

Meanwhile Robert Keen has been made a Director of BIFA in his current position of General Manager which he has held for seven years. Mr Keen, who has extensive experience in the freight forwarding industry and has worked for a number of well-known freight companies, therefore joins the BIFA Board.

Comments BIFA National Chairman, Doug Overett: "Quentin's departure may surprise some both within BIFA and outside the Association, and we wish him well in the future. We are pleased that Colin, who has made a major contribution as Director General, is prepared to delay his retirement.

"BIFA is in excellent shape with significant momentum due in large part to Colin's leadership. We have a clear strategy that has us well positioned to fulfil our role of providing effective representation and support for the UK international freight services industry; promoting good practice and total quality in the provision of freight services by all Members, and encouraging the membership to observe the highest standards of professional competence.

"Today, we have a strong network of Regional Secretariats, which, together with the Board of Directors, Council and management team is driving forwards our representative role and delivering results for our membership.

"Indeed, just last week, we saw a positive outcome for our four year campaign to seek exemption for freight forwarders from the Insurance Mediation Directive which is likely to see a change in legislation that will allow all our Members to provide insurance to their customers as part of their service offer."