Judges

Bethany’s role centres around promote the profession to underrepresented groups and securing the next generation of supply chain professionals through a wide range of programmes, including Generation Logistics. Her work with Women in Logistics won Bethany the 2015 Multimodal “Woman of the Year” award, followed by recognition as a finalist in the Everywoman in Logistics and Transport awards (2018) and securing the Talent in Logistics awards (2019), both for “Industry Champion”. As a former teacher, inspiring the next generation to choose the logistics sector is a personal and professional passion.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanywindsor/

Damian Brett is editor of Air Cargo News and has been writing about the freight and logistics industry since 2007. He began covering the industry as shipping reporter at UK title International Freighting Weekly where he was later promoted to the role of chief reporter. After a stint in PR, he went onto to work for Containerisation International, where he became editor, and Lloyd’s List, where he was editor of container shipping. Damian joined Air Cargo News in 2015 as news editor and in 2019 was promoted to editor.

David is Chief Executive of Aviation Services UK, the trade association representing ground service providers in the UK aviation sector.   He is also founder director of Front Street Consulting, a consultancy specialising in sustainability, public affairs and communications, supporting clients across sectors including automotive, aviation, logistics and maritime.  David has advised HM Government on a range of international trade issues and previously worked for Associated British Ports and Rail Freight Group. 

Debbie comes from a communications background and has spent more than ten years in the maritime sector. Initially working in shipping supporting seafarers’ rights, she moved to the ports sector in 2021 as the Chief Executive of Port Skills and Safety. This professional membership association is focussed on improving safety and skills in the UK ports sector.  Debbie is very proud to have become a champion for increasing diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector. She is also a charity Trustee for The Seafarers Charity and two other charities.

Irene has been responsible for the design, development and co-ordination of The Blue MBA. On behalf of CBS, she has a fundamental role in building global relationships and networks within the maritime industry. She also promotes research identifying challenges and future issues for the maritime industry.  Based on her extensive international network and experience, she has held major roles in varied maritime-related activities, and speaks at leading maritime events.  From 2005 to 2009 Irene was Director of the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) programme and was involved in several maritime-related research undertakings and research-based conferences.  Since 2013 she has been an evaluator for the Association of MBAs (AMBA), which is described as representing “the highest standard of achievement in postgraduate business education.” In 2014 Irene joined the Board of Advisors for the Panama Maritime. In 2017 she was appointed a member an EU expert group for the motorways of the seas. She is also the Director for the Blue Board Leadership Programme which was established in 2022.  The Blue MBA under her guidance has been praised by shipping and logistics leaders as a key driver for the modernization of the maritime sector.

With over a decade of experience in the international logistics sector, Kelly is an extraordinary Sustainability Consultant. Her career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to helping business leaders recognise commercial value through sustainability initiatives that are embedded across an organisation. With a deep understanding of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability, she has become a driving force in helping the business world navigate the path towards a more responsible and sustainable future. Kelly’s experience has given her a comprehensive view of the supply chain landscape, allowing her to appreciate the intricate interplay between sustainability and operational efficiency. Her commitment to making the world a better place through sustainable practices make her a transformative figure within the industry. Kelly is founder of consultancy Shape Tomorrow and an ambassador for the charity Transaid.

Mike is a Fellow of the CILT and has been a major figure in the Logistics and Forwarding industry for over forty years appearing in the Motor Transport Hall of Fame in 2022. He built DTS Logistics himself from one van to 1,000 employees over 25 years. He sold it to Clipper Logistics in 2005 when he became their Group Sales Director for a number of years.  Lattelly he became a NED to the Group but stepped down in 2022 following the acquisition by GXO when it had grown to over 10,000 employees. He is still actively involved in logistics consultancy and a NED of Warehouse-Space. He is also a passionate Ambassador for Transaid since 2013 and has been involved in the ambulance bicycle campaign and road safety trips to Zambia.

I have a 30 year track record of developing innovative communications and marketing strategies for over 100 business in the logistics sector, winning 27 national awards for clients. I created the first logistics magazine Distribution Business and was runner-up in two national journalist awards when editor of Motor Transport. I launched the Logistics Leaders Network in 2010 to provide a networking platform for emerging logistics leaders, where they could meet their peers, share best practice and be exposed to the latest operational innovations. Logistics Leaders Magazine showcases the best brands in logistics and supply chain and the Logistics Leadership Awards reward excellence in leadership skills across 10 categories.

Richard Ballantyne joined the British Ports Association in 2007 and became the Chief Executive in 2016.  Richard has in-depth expertise in ports, transport, trade and environmental policy matters and he is a champion of sustainable development. He is a Director of Maritime UK, a Trustee of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board charity and was previously a Director of Port Skills and Safety Ltd. Richard was also awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours for his services to the maritime sector.