Cathay Cargo has reinforced its senior leadership with the appointment of Toby Griffiths as Head of Cargo Global Sales and Customer Solutions. The airline is sharpening its focus on becoming the world’s leading air cargo operator.
Griffiths, a veteran of Swire Shipping, brings nearly 12 years of international experience across multiple geographies and functions. His appointment is expected to strengthen Cathay Cargo’s global sales capabilities and elevate its customer-first approach in an increasingly competitive market.
A Career Across Oceans and Borders
During his career with Swire Shipping, Griffiths held assignments in Singapore, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Australia. His roles spanned sales, agency management, business development, and country leadership, giving him a deep understanding of both customer dynamics and operational challenges across diverse markets.
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Cathay Cargo, in announcing his appointment, said: “With nearly 12 years of experience at Swire Shipping, Toby’s background in sales, agency management, and business development will contribute towards our continued progress towards becoming the world’s best air cargo carrier. His leadership will empower our global sales teams to build a more comprehensive service and shipping experience for all of our customers, no matter their cargo demands.”
From Sea Freight to Air Cargo
Reflecting on his transition from maritime logistics to aviation, Griffiths highlighted the parallels between the two industries. “I like solving problems and I like learning. On the problem-solving side, there are the special shipment solutions; there’s always a customer that needs something new or different, and I feel lucky to be working in an organisation that puts the customer first, and continually commits resources to that prioritisation. On the learning side, there’s a lot: a whole new industry, a new company, and a new dynamic. It is fun to be thrown into this new environment and understand how I can turn the learning into value.”
He added that the international scope of the role was a motivating factor. “Working with different cultures across the very diverse regions that we operate in, each with strong customer bases and strong sales teams, is something that motivates me. Understanding and engaging with those teams is a key priority.”
Leadership Transition
Griffiths’ appointment comes amid leadership changes at Cathay Cargo. In July, the airline announced that Tom Owen, Director of Cargo, would step down, with Dominic Perrett, currently Regional General Manager Southeast Asia, set to assume the role. Griffiths’ arrival signals continuity in the airline’s customer-centric growth strategy, even as new leadership reshapes the division’s long-term vision.
Cathay Cargo at a Glance: Strategic Priorities Driving Growth
Cathay Cargo is pursuing a transformation strategy that combines operational excellence with innovation and sustainability. Recent priorities include:
- Digitalisation & Customer Experience – Expansion of digital booking platforms, e-freight solutions, and cargo tracking tools designed to deliver transparency and convenience to customers.
- Sustainability & SAF Adoption – Active initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, including investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and greener operational practices.
- Pharmaceutical & Specialized Logistics – Strengthening of Cathay Pharma solutions to support global healthcare supply chains, including temperature-sensitive shipments.
- Network & Partnerships – Leveraging Hong Kong’s position as a leading cargo hub while expanding alliances to offer greater connectivity and reliability.
- Resilience & Risk Management – Enhancing operational resilience in response to shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.
With Griffiths at the helm of global sales, Cathay Cargo aims to deepen customer relationships, strengthen regional sales strategies, and align its commercial efforts with the airline’s broader transformation goals.
