THE BRITISH International Freight Association has announced the official retirement of its director general Robert (Bob) Keen.
Mr Keen’s connection with BIFA dates back 26 years.
Originally joining the BIFA secretariat full-time in 1999 as general manager, he is credited with bringing significant experience to the role from previous jobs at ASM (UK), Burlington Air Express and BAX Global.
He was appointed BIFA director general in 2014 after the retirement of Peter Quantrill.
During the following eight years, he was credited with driving membership growth, increasing industry recognition within government and placing a renewed focus on attracting and developing the next generation of freight professionals.
He also chaired the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations and was later appointed secretary general of FIATA.
His work with FIATA saw him attend many of its World Congress events.
Although he stepped down from his role as BIFA director general at the end of 2022, he remained with BIFA as international relations manager.
“As anyone heading for retirement will tell you, your working life seems to pass in the blink of an eye,” Mr Keen said.
“My memories of 1970 are still sharp—as is my recollection of my first day at Airport Courier Services walking around Heathrow from the airline sheds to the forwarders and to the long room at Customs,” he said.
“Since then, forwarding has given me many great memories and some great friends.”
Mr Keen said forwarders were “part of a fantastic community”.
“Although our profile is often low, it’s a sign that forwarders get on with the tasks at hand quietly, under the radar—which means that we are doing the job well,” he said.
BIFA director general, Steve Parker Bob Keen had not only been a work colleague, but also a great friend.
“I wish him well for a long, healthy and enjoyable retirement, as does everyone at BIFA,” Mr Parker said.