David Macken, representing IIFA Full Trading Member Hawthorn Logistics Ltd, was presented with his trophy and was awarded the title of IIFA Young Irish Freight Forwarder of the Year for 2025. This competition is designed with two goals: to shine a spotlight on the good work of young professionals of the Irish Freight Forwarding industry and to act as a national competition to select a candidate to represent Ireland with the annual FIATA Young Logistics Professional competition.
Earlier this year, David was one of three Finalists who took part with a presentation evening on Wednesday 22nd January 2025, where he outlined his thesis topics: an export movement of live seafood from Ireland, being sent via Air Freight to Hong Kong and an import movement of various parts required for rescue helicopters under an AOG status, both time critical shipments for their respective Clients. David impressed the Steering Group with his deep knowledge of these cargo movements, his attention to detail in planning and his confidence in his role of handling this cargo as a Freight Forwarder.
David submitted his completed thesis of 6,000 words to FIATA at the close of last month, where it now sits with FIATA’s Steering Group, alongside Representatives of other European National Associations in the European section of the FIATA Young Logistics Professional Award.
At the AGM, IIFA President Sandra Morrissey thanked David for his efforts in representing Ireland at FIATA level and wished him the best of luck with the competition.
The FIATA Young Logistics Professional competition is a two stage process: FIATA National Associations take part in four regional competitions: Americas, Africa-Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe. In July of each year, FIATA’s Steering Group announces the 4x Regional Winners who are then invited to the annual FIATA World Congress (to be hosted in Vietnam in October 2025) where a global Winner for 2025 is announced.
At the 2024 IIFA AGM, IIFA had the pleasure of presenting the inaugural award to Dayna Thackrah of RHENUS Air & Ocean Ltd.
Photo captions:
1) David Macken with his colleague at Hawthorn Logistics Joe Delahunty
2) IIFA AGM
3) David Macken
4) IIFA President Sandra Morrissey with David Macken
