Chapman Freeborn, the global aircraft charter specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has appointed Russell Cook as Industry Vertical Director – Automotive.

Cook has had a career in freight forwarding for over 30 years, 20 of which have been spent looking after automotive clients.

He previously held roles at companies including Emery Worldwide, UPS, and DB Schenker, and also co-founded a fintech startup.

In his new role as Industry Vertical Director – Automotive, Cook will engage with Chapman Freeborn’s automotive clients globally, assist with their supply chains, and work with freight forwarders directly, based on each situation’s individual needs.

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“The automotive vertical at Chapman Freeborn is a specialist area of service delivery and I am delighted to provide this unique opportunity and value proposition to our clients,” Cook said.

“I look forward to utilising my two decades of insight and expertise on global automotive supply chains to provide structure to the vertical and engage with clients, new and existing, across the world.

“In the coming weeks and months, I will recruit a successful global team to help achieve my goals for the department and those of the wider business.”

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Cook will report to Neil Dursley, Group CCO at Chapman Freeborn.

“I have known Russell for over 20 years and it’s a real pleasure to have him join Chapman Freeborn as Vertical Director – Automotive,” said Dursley.

“He has decades of success and experience in this sector and will be a great support to our freight forwarding and automotive clients.”

In his spare time, Cook enjoys watching rugby, following his recent retirement from playing, as well as cycling and mountain hiking, and nurturing a passion for British and American classic motor vehicles.