Juan Duarte

American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) - Latin America

Juan Duarte has been named the new executive president Latin America for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).

The AAPA states the appointment is “a milestone in the history of the organisation” which it says both reconstitutes and “einforces its commitment to the Latin American region.

Duarte most recently served as chief executive officer of Latin American port consultancy DUAGA and has been actively involved in the AAPA Professional Development Board in the US.

“This new chapter of AAPA Latin America marks a rebirth focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the port industry in the region,” AAPA states. “The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between the main actors on the continent and develop strategic services for Latin American countries, their ports and the logistics chain, thus contributing to the economic and social growth of the region.”

Bobby Kehley

BBi - United States

Illinois-headquartered battery solutions manufacturer Battery Builders has appointed Bobby Kehley to the role of regional sales manager for north-east region. Kehley has more than 27 years’ experience working in the industrial motive power industry and has previously ben employed with Key Material, Eastern Lift Truck, Alta, and Philadelphia Scientific.

Battery Builders vice president of sales John Gaughan says Kehley's xtensive network of contacts in the Northeast "is a game-changer for us”.

“It’s not just about what you know but who you know, and anyone who knows Bobby knows how driven he is and I’m excited to introduce that drive to our customers.”

Frank van Dijck

FEM - Europe

Frank van Dijck has been elected as president of the European Materials Handling Federation (FEM).

The chief technical officer and board member at automated logistics company Vanderlande, van Dijck joined FEM in 2020 and in 2022, joined the board and took the lead of the Intralogistics Systems Product Group.

“As we navigate challenging times, whether economically, environmentally or geopolitically, a strong and stable representative organisation is a must to ensure that our collective interests are preserved,” van Dijck explains. 

“As president of FEM, I will do my utmost to empower the European materials handling industry thanks to a supportive European policy framework, with achievable regulations that serve their purpose.”

Ernesto Dominguez Porta, president of Toyota Material Handling Europe and chairman of the Industrial Trucks Product Group, was elected vice president of FEM.