The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has appointed Steve Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Brandon Fried, who is stepping down after 21 years leading the organization but will remain involved during the transition.
Fried will work alongside Smith as he assumes his new responsibilities, allowing for a gradual handover while the AfA continues its advocacy efforts on behalf of the airfreight forwarding industry.
Smith brings extensive experience across aviation, transportation, logistics and the humanitarian sector. Before joining the AfA, he spent 13 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Airlink, following senior commercial positions with Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace.
“Steve brings extensive aviation and logistics experience, a strong understanding of air cargo, and established relationships across all areas of the industry,” said Brandon Fried, outgoing Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association.
“He understands the issues affecting the industry and the importance of engaging members, and I am confident he is well-placed to lead the AfA and build on the work we have done over the past two decades.”
During his 13-year tenure at Airlink, Smith expanded the organization from a one-person startup into a nonprofit generating almost US$20 million in revenue. The organization worked with more than 50 airlines and logistics companies, as well as 250 humanitarian organizations across 100 countries.
Under Smith’s leadership, Airlink responded to more than 200 disasters and crises and helped more than 80 million people in need.
Smith also developed the operational framework and infrastructure needed to connect the aviation industry with humanitarian relief efforts, creating systems that had not previously existed and helping shape how airlines, logistics providers and aid organizations coordinate their response to crises.
His tenure included leadership of Airlink’s response to several major global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine War, the Ebola outbreak and the 2023 Türkiye earthquake.
Smith has also served as a NATO spokesperson and as a subject matter expert on crisis response involving both the public and private sectors.
“The work of the AfA has rarely been more important, with shifting trade policy, geopolitical disruption, and aging infrastructure adding pressure on supply chains that are already stretched,” said Steve Smith, incoming Chief Executive Officer at the Airforwarders Association.
“Forwarders need greater predictability as they navigate these pressures, and investment in the infrastructure that keeps it moving,” he added.
Smith also recognized Fried’s contribution to the organization after more than two decades at the helm.
“Over the many years that Brandon and I have known each other, he has built a strong association with an influential voice, and I want to thank him for his dedicated service,” Smith said.
He added that he looks forward to working with the AfA team, meeting more members and maintaining an effective voice for forwarders in Washington and throughout an industry that plays a central role in billions of dollars in global trade every day.
