Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has announced the appointment of Bernard Geersing as Vice President Europe, reinforcing its leadership structure as the group continues to strengthen its commercial strategy across the region.
Geersing will officially assume his new role on 1 May, with a mandate to enhance commercial performance, deepen customer relationships, and support the continued evolution of AFKLMP’s European cargo operations.
Internal leadership progression
Geersing brings nearly six years of experience within AFKLMP to the position, having most recently served as Vice President Digital, Distribution & Customer Service. In that role, he played a central part in advancing the company’s digital transformation initiatives, improving customer engagement, and supporting revenue performance through enhanced distribution strategies.
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His appointment reflects a broader trend within the organisation to promote internal talent with a strong understanding of both operational and commercial dynamics in the air cargo sector.
Proven experience across market cycles
Prior to his current role, Geersing served as Director Benelux, where he led the organisation through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, he managed extreme fluctuations in demand and capacity constraints while maintaining operational continuity.
He also spearheaded a comprehensive transformation of customer service operations, redesigning processes, roles, and workflows to improve efficiency and responsiveness—changes that continue to underpin the company’s service delivery model.
Earlier in his career, Geersing held positions at Air Cargo Netherlands and spent more than nine years within the broader Air France-KLM Group, including a leadership role in direct sales and digital marketing for the Benelux region.
Strategic focus on European growth
In his new position, Geersing will focus on consolidating AFKLMP’s market position across Europe, a region that remains critical to global air cargo flows and network connectivity. His responsibilities will include driving commercial alignment, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the organisation remains responsive to evolving customer needs.
GertJan Roelands, Senior Vice President Commercial at AFKLMP, expressed confidence in the appointment, noting that Geersing’s experience and track record position him well to advance the company’s cargo strategy in Europe.
Leadership transition within the organisation
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Robert Kunen, the current Vice President Europe, will transition to a new role as Vice President CIO Office within the Air France-KLM IT division. His move reflects a continued focus on strengthening the group’s digital and technological capabilities.
Positioning for a competitive cargo market
The appointment comes at a time when the European air cargo market is navigating shifting demand patterns, capacity adjustments, and increasing digitalisation. Strengthening leadership in key regions is seen as essential to maintaining competitiveness and delivering value to customers.
With Geersing at the helm of its European cargo operations, AFKLMP is aiming to build on its existing capabilities while accelerating innovation and customer-centric growth.
