Global air cargo equipment specialist ACL Airshop has appointed James Harris as its new chief executive officer, marking a leadership transition as the company enters a new stage of global development.
Harris succeeds Bernhard Kindelbacher, who led the company over the past two years and will remain involved as a senior advisor during the transition period.
The appointment comes as ACL Airshop continues expanding its role in the air cargo ecosystem, where demand for efficient Unit Load Device (ULD) management solutions is growing rapidly.
Harris joined the company in November 2021 as chief financial officer and quickly became a central figure in reshaping the firm’s financial and operational structure. During his tenure, he led a transformation of the company’s finance operations while gaining extensive insight into its global business development strategy.
A certified public accountant, Harris previously held senior finance roles with several major organizations, including PwC, where he served as chief financial officer of Forum Energy Technologies, and later as CFO of Pacific Drilling.
Reflecting on his appointment, Harris said he is eager to build on the company’s momentum within the air cargo industry.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time at ACL Airshop, working in an important segment of the air cargo sector that provides essential equipment for global freight transportation,” he said. “I am proud to work alongside a talented international team committed to delivering innovative products and services to our customers.”
ACL Airshop’s board believes Harris’ operational and strategic experience will play a key role in the company’s next chapter.
Board member Jim Metcalfe noted that Harris brings a strong combination of financial expertise, strategic planning and operational leadership.
“In addition to his experience in finance and capital markets, Jim brings a strong business development and operations-focused mindset,” Metcalfe said.
Under the leadership of outgoing CEO Bernhard Kindelbacher, ACL Airshop expanded its global ULD management footprint, secured new contracts across multiple markets and accelerated the company’s digital transformation initiatives.
Today, the company manages more than 100,000 ULD assets, including cargo pallets and containers, across 55 airport hub locations worldwide, covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America.
