New chair announced for cargo handling industry body

International Cargo Handling Association (ICHCA) has a new chair. Australian Scott McKay has been elected, effective 30 September.

With members from the port, terminal, shipping and cargo handling community throughout the world, ICHCA remains committed to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain.

The appointment of McKay, a veteran with nearly forty years experience of supply chain management is seen as reinforcing that mission, particularly regarding the Association’s attempts to disseminate safety performance data and innovations to cargo handlers and the broader industry. McKay commented, “I see that ICHCA has a fantastic opportunity to further develop gathering, analysing and sharing safety data and best practice to help improve safety decisions and cultural change along and across the cargo supply chain."

McKay joined a state chapter of ICHCA Australia seven years ago. He was appointed Chair and became a member of the international board in November 2023. Formerly a chartered accountant at KPMG and a principal at Aurecon a design and delivery global infrastructure consultancy, he has vast experience in the supply chain industry, including senior roles in Europe, Asia and Australia as CEO in warehousing and road transport, container rail and intermodal and bulk ports operations.

Currently, as founder and chief executive of Flywheel Advisory, he helps organizations and businesses using supply chain as a differentiator to drive profitability and service levels. He is also CEO of T Ports, a bulk grain handler that develops and operates bulk ports and transhipping operations for global grain traders in Australia. T Ports provides innovative solutions for bringing deep seaports closer to the grain grower.

McKay replaces John Beckett, who steps down as Chair after 18 years of service, including eight as Chair. “I believe Scott is a highly appropriate professional to be taking on the role of ICHCA Chair. He inherits a membership that is growing rapidly and has diverse members of all sizes and nationalities that share a common goal to maintain, and where possible, improve safety regimes for all operators in the industry. I wish him and the ICHCA community every success in the future.”