'Employee in the Spotlight' Series - Tod Mawhinney as new Head of Cargo Americas

Let us introduce you to the faces of Swiss WorldCargo!

 

At Swiss WorldCargo we are very proud of our talented team of professionals. Each one of them play a vital role in delivering exceptional performance, contributing with their unique attitude to the success of our division.

 

Success takes place in different shapes, backgrounds, skill sets, and personalities. Today, we are excited to kickstart our 'employee in the spotlight' series to introduce you to our remarkable Swiss WorldCargo colleagues and bring you along a special journey into their stories, expertise and contributions to our commitment to excellence.

 

We’re going to start with our new Head of Cargo Americas, Tod Mawhinney.

 

 

Dear Tod

Soon you will take over the role of new Head of Cargo Americas. A fascinating and important responsibility is awaiting you, but thanks to more than 21 years of experience in aviation and your loyalty to SWISS, you seem more than prepared for the challenge ahead. For our readers to get to know you better, could you please share a few insights about your personal background and your professional journey?

«In 2000, together with my Swiss wife and our 2 young children, I left Canada for Switzerland, looking to escape the commuting trap and take advantage of the European lifestyle by being right in the middle of Europe, close to many great cuisines and cultural icons. Starting my first job at Swissair was not only a great opportunity but a terrible one at the same time. A crisis like the downfall of Swissair and the rocky start of SWISS, for which I am now working since 21 years, teaches you a lot about business and life upfront, unlike any other business case.

At SWISS, we got better and better each year, thanks to smart, lean, and pragmatic approaches and a clear set of values. Along this trajectory, I was given great opportunities first on the passenger side in different roles and then at Swiss WorldCargo, surrounded by passionate, like-minded international people.

I have been fortunate through this time to have been posted in London and Hong Kong and been able to travel the world. Yet, I’ve also always been close to the economic cycles that affect our industry, often the Cargo market sooner than the passenger market. We are always on our toes and switched-on towards what is happening globally, and now those big happenings also include sustainability.

So, I am glad to have been part of this company’s journey and I look forward to working on another adventure.»

In your new role, you will focus on the Americas Region. Why is this region of particular importance for Swiss WorldCargo?

«The Americas Region holds immense importance for Swiss WorldCargo, as it represents a significant market with vital trade flows between Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The Americas Region not only contributes to our global network but also connects the Swiss business for import and export opportunities in the most direct way possible. At Swiss WorldCargo we recognize the region's significance and the need for a niche player like us, whose core focus is on care-intensive shipping solutions with the highest quality in terms of execution requirements.»

What are then your top three ideas/action points to further develop our business presence in the Americas Region?

«I plan to act on the following three points:

  • Strengthening Customer Relationships: Building strong, long-lasting relationships with our customers is paramount. I believe in taking a customer-centric approach, understanding their needs, and providing them with tailored solutions. By focusing on communication, responsiveness, and offering innovative services, we keep our positioning as go-to choice for our customers.
  • Expanding Network and Connectivity: As the new Head of Cargo Americas, I will focus on expanding our reach and improving connectivity within the region. By expanding our reach and ensuring seamless connections, we can offer enhanced value to our current customers and capture new business opportunities.
  • Embracing Sustainability and Innovation: In today's business landscape, sustainability and innovation are critical for our long-term success. I aim to promote sustainable practices throughout our activities and partners in the Americas Region, including reducing our carbon footprint and championing the usage of SAF to our customers.»
«I am glad to have been part of this company’s journey and I look forward to working on another adventure. I strive to lead with authenticity, empathy, and a collaborative mindset.»
«I am glad to have been part of this company’s journey and I look forward to working on another adventure. I strive to lead with authenticity, empathy, and a collaborative mindset.» © Swiss WorldCargo

Last but not least, who would you say is your inspiration or mentor when it comes to leadership skills and mindset?

«When it comes to leadership skills and mindset, I draw inspiration from various sources. However, if I were to name one particular individual, it would be Simon Sinek. His insights on leadership, particularly the concept of starting with why, have resonated deeply with me. Sinek emphasizes the importance of inspiring others by clearly communicating the purpose and values that drive our organisation. I strive to lead with authenticity, empathy, and a collaborative mindset.

Additionally, I find inspiration in the diverse perspectives and experiences of my colleagues, as they constantly challenge and enrich my own leadership journey.»

At Swiss WorldCargo, our team truly represents the backbone of our success, and we are enthusiastic about counting on so many remarkable colleagues like Tod in our division. Through our new 'employee in the spotlight' series, we hope to provide you with some valuable insights into the diverse roles and skill sets that make our business thrive.

Stay tuned for more interesting stories as we showcase more exceptional minds behind Swiss WorldCargo.