04-06 November 2025

Antwerp expo Belgium

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SPOTLIGHTING THE BEST, BRIGHTEST & BRAVEST OF THE NEXT GENERATION

The AXL 40 Under 40 campaign showcases the rising stars of the breakbulk and heavy lift industry.

Our 40 Under 40 recognises both those with the greatest potential to become industry leaders in the future and those who have achieved greatness already.

Our chosen 40 successful applicants will be celebrated at AXL 2024 with a special drinks reception held in their honour.

Criteria
The judges were simply looking for professionals who, thanks to their excellence and commitment, are making a real difference to their organisation or to the wider industry. View this year's 40 under 40 winners below.

Class of 2024

Agustin Harriague

Agustin Harriague

Vice President, Logistics at Mitsubishi Power Americas

"Stay curious, embrace change, and build bridges—logistics is as much about understanding people as it is about moving goods."

Andreas Menzel

Andreas Menzel

Managing Director Germany & Benelux at Trans Global Projects GmbH

Bert Heynderick

Bert Heynderick

CEO, Koddaert nv

Björn Jinert

Björn Jinert

CEO, Svend Jinert AB

Borna Petrovic

Borna Petrovic

Chief Commercial Officer, at Liburnia Group

Bruno Balbi

Bruno Balbi

Co-founder of i4sea

Cambier Jeremy

Cambier Jeremy

Terminal Manager at Duferco Logistique

Colin Hay

Colin Hay

Vessel Operator at US Ocean LLC

“The harder you work, the luckier you get”

Denis Abramov

Denis Abramov

CEO of Daco Project Logistics GmbH

Emiel Barbanson

Emiel Barbanson

Co-founder of Bargedesk

"Trying to revolutionize the dry bulk sector in the inland barging industry with Central Barge by taking the forefront in digitalisation and connecting marketplayers while maintaining an independent position. "

Fanni Arvai

Fanni Arvai

Innovation & Sustainability Manager at ICO NV

"Innovation is a tool to achieve sustainable, future-proof business practices, where people thrive and nature flourishes. A balance between people, planet and profit can only be achieved if we all work together on our common goals. Diversity in decision making ensures a variety of perspectives to choose the best possible path for the future. "

Emma Nash

Emma Nash

Business Development Manager at Tuscor Lloyds

"Anything is possible! This industry is full of opportunities. Take risks , share ideas and embrace new challenges. With dedication and passion you can be the industry’s next leader."

Gijs Vlasman

Gijs Vlasman

Head of Commercial BeneLux at Trans Global Projects B.V.

Faizan Hamidi

Faizan Hamidi

Heavy Lift Sourcing & Supplier Qualification Manager at Hitachi Energy

"Hard work, dedication & attention to detail are the keys in this industry. Prioritize safety & sustainability, stay adaptable, invest in continuous learning, and build strong global networks to thrive in an evolving market."

Gina Panayiotou

Gina Panayiotou

CEO and Founder at Oceans Arena

"In anything that you do, focus only on making an impact and what you personally can bring to the table. Everything else will naturally flow into place at the right time"

Hammad Khan

Hammad Khan

Regional Business Development and Proposals Manager at Erhardt Projects

“Defy the Odds, Redefine the Possible”

Hendrik Pongky

Hendrik Pongky

Assistant Branch Manager / Supercargo at Transport Overseas Group (Belgium) BV

"Logistics made simple, success amplified."

ILYA GONCHAROV

ILYA GONCHAROV

Global Project Manager | BDM 3P Logistics A/S

"Never stop growing your business and your skills. Companies cannot survive without constant growth. The same goes for you.”

Jasmina Ovcina Mandra

Jasmina Ovcina Mandra

Editor at WorldCargo News & Bulk Materials International

Jazmine Jurkiewicz

Jazmine Jurkiewicz

International Trade Specialist at Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway

Jens Lassner

Jens Lassner

Head of Transport Engineering at Briese Chartering GmbH & Co KG

"Respect risks! Growth and learn how to manage them! "

Katie Strudthoff

Katie Strudthoff

Senior Chartering Manager at G2 Ocean

“Focus on building relationships and take every opportunity to learn something new.”

Krishna Prem

Krishna Prem

Director King Chartering and Project Pte Ltd

"Customer centric approach with attention to details and dedication in delivering economical and best logistical solutions, which adds value to customers and enriches our expertise in the field of project cargo logistics and chartering"

Maher Azizieh

Maher Azizieh

Shipbroker and Fleet Manager at Varamar

"Success is founded on resilience, integrity, continuous learning, and building meaningful connections. Push boundaries, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of hard work—it opens doors you never knew existed."

Mark Sadler

Mark Sadler

UK Managing Director at Mammoet

Marta Vicente

Marta Vicente

Claims Handler at DPS

Mohamed Rashed

Mohamed Rashed

Chartering Manager at Egypt Trade Maritime Services

"Don’t give up , always be loyal and success will follow”.

Mustafa KADIOGLU

Mustafa KADIOGLU

Regional Sales Manager SADE Containers B.V.

Nikhil Kedar

Nikhil Kedar

India Country Representative, COSCO SHIPPING SPECIALIZED CARRIERS

Patrycja Walisch- Azizieh

Patrycja Walisch- Azizieh

Sales Director, Shipnext BV

"Hustle like there is no tomorrow, so you can actually enjoy the next day. "

Prashob Nair

Prashob Nair

Strategy Manager | Industrial Projects at Marizon Marine Services

"A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Success doesn't come from things you can do, it comes from overcoming the things, you thought you couldn't."

Renée Rotmans

Renée Rotmans

Social Innovation at Port of Rotterdam

Saad Nasib

Saad Nasib

Commercial Director of Asyd Ports and Executive director for Khazaen Dry Port

- “Success in our industry hinges on two key pillars: customer-centricity and operational excellence. Prioritize building strong relationships by understanding and anticipating your customers' unique needs, while consistently delivering top-tier service through flawless execution. In a business where precision and trust are paramount, a deep focus on both ensures long-term growth and competitive advantage”.

Selim Al Awwa

Selim Al Awwa

Business Development Manager at New Marine

"Honest communication, hard work and attention to detail."

Sibin John

Sibin John

Business Development Manager at deugro

Steff Peeters

Steff Peeters

Marketing & Brand at Aertssen Group

Steffen Wiegratz

Steffen Wiegratz

Line Manager MPP Transatlantic at MACS / Hugo Stinnes

Stéphanie Feys

Stéphanie Feys

Managing Director at ZUIDNATIE NV

Tim Freudenthal

Tim Freudenthal

Managing Director at HLR GmbH - Heavy Lift Rental

"It's not just about how heavy the lift is—it's about who you have lifting with you. With the right team, even the heaviest loads become lighter."

Youssef Al Awwa

Youssef Al Awwa

Operations Manager at New Marine

Stéphanie Feys

Stéphanie Feys

Managing Director, Zuidnatie

Since 2016, Stéphanie Feys has led Zuidnatie, a family business specializing in breakbulk logistics in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for over a century. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategy earned Zuidnatie the Best Managed Company Gold and T&L Employer of the Year awards. Stéphanie's focus on HR policies, health, wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion has made Zuidnatie an attractive employer, reducing retention rates and absenteeism. Safety remains a top priority, with decreasing work incidents, and sustainable practices have cut CO2 emissions by 33% in six years. Stéphanie's dedication to long-term partnerships with clients, suppliers, and employees has transformed Zuidnatie into a close-knit family.

Teo Japarashvili

Teo Japarashvili

Head of Transport Department, Gebruder Weiss LLC

After arriving on Georgian market, Gebruder Weiss had a great impact on overall market situation. Starting from the very first days Teo has influenced internally and externally. By her deserve as a woman leader, Transportation has stepped up not only in Georgia but in Caucasus region.

Valds Stunza

Valds Stunza

Marketing & Business Development Director, ELEVEN DANIR 19

Valds expert opinion about the industry periodically are published in different niche magazines. Thanks to Valds, our company was nominated (and highly commended) for Heavy Lift Award in 2022. An incredible amount of pioneering accomplishments and innovations inside the company. Values and his attitude to sustainability, modernisation and innovations are transforming every project to something really valuable. His vision sometimes is way ahead of industry and world, I firmly sure that if he will not "turn over" an industry, he will leave a significant impact on it.

Stéphanie Feys

Stéphanie Feys

Managing Director, Zuidnatie

Since 2016, Stéphanie Feys has led Zuidnatie, a family business specializing in breakbulk logistics in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for over a century. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategy earned Zuidnatie the Best Managed Company Gold and T&L Employer of the Year awards. Stéphanie's focus on HR policies, health, wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion has made Zuidnatie an attractive employer, reducing retention rates and absenteeism. Safety remains a top priority, with decreasing work incidents, and sustainable practices have cut CO2 emissions by 33% in six years. Stéphanie's dedication to long-term partnerships with clients, suppliers, and employees has transformed Zuidnatie into a close-knit family.

Teo Japarashvili

Teo Japarashvili

Head of Transport Department, Gebruder Weiss LLC

After arriving on Georgian market, Gebruder Weiss had a great impact on overall market situation. Starting from the very first days Teo has influenced internally and externally. By her deserve as a woman leader, Transportation has stepped up not only in Georgia but in Caucasus region.

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