BIFA reorganises policy team to bolster compliance and sustainability expertise

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is undergoing a reorganisation of its policy and compliance team following the retirement of David Stroud, who served as BIFA’s policy and compliance adviser for air freight. This strategic realignment aims to enhance the association’s support for its members amid evolving regulatory and environmental challenges within the logistics sector.

David Stroud’s responsibilities for air freight policy and compliance will now be assumed by Pawel Jarza, a well-recognised figure among BIFA members for his expertise in Customs compliance. Jarza, who holds a master’s degree in International Trade Relations from the University of Wroclaw, brings over two decades of experience in logistics, predominantly in Customs and compliance-focused management roles. His appointment reflects BIFA’s commitment to maintaining strong leadership in areas vital to the freight and logistics industry.

Complementing this shift, Igor Popovics has been appointed as the policy and compliance adviser for Customs and frontier issues. Popovics joined BIFA in 2022 from the London Chamber of Commerce, where he worked as an export documents and customs declaration officer. In addition to his Customs expertise, he holds comprehensive knowledge of Rules of Origin and Carnets, which are key components in international trade compliance.

Further strengthening the policy team, Jamie McKean has been promoted to policy adviser for Sustainable Logistics. McKean, a law graduate from the University of Reading, joined BIFA in 2023 as a management trainee and has swiftly progressed within the organisation. He will work closely with Mike Jones, policy and compliance adviser for sustainability and environment, to address growing environmental concerns impacting BIFA members.

BIFA’s focus on sustainability has expanded considerably in recent years. In 2023, the association established a dedicated policy group to identify and communicate emerging environmental issues that could influence its members’ businesses both now and in the future. Jamie McKean’s elevation signals the increasing prominence of sustainable logistics within BIFA’s strategic framework and underlines the association’s proactive approach to supporting members through environmental and regulatory developments.

These changes in BIFA’s policy and compliance team aim to provide members with enhanced expertise in critical areas such as Customs regulations, air freight, and sustainable logistics—sectors experiencing rapid transformation due to policy shifts and market demands.

For executives and leadership within associations and trade bodies, BIFA’s restructuring highlights the importance of adapting organisational structures to better serve member interests in a dynamic regulatory and business environment. The new team configuration promises focused support and insight, particularly in areas of growing significance like environmental sustainability and compliance, vital for the continued success of member organisations operating within international freight and logistics.