ECS Group appoints Steve Hughes as GAC UK MD

Image courtesy ECS Group

Steve Hughes joins Globe Air Cargo from Wexco Cargo GSSA after seven years as its Managing Director. His extensive air cargo career began in 1998, with British Airways Cargo, where he held various positions, learning the industry before moving to Virgin Atlantic Cargo in 2005. Over the next 12 years, his responsibilities included regional sales and customer management across EMEA and the Americas, and global key account management. In 2017, Steve Hughes moved from airline to GSSA management, building on his operational and commercial experience to optimally match airline and forwarder requirements.

Steve Hughes, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo UK, said: “I am delighted to become part of the world’s largest and leading GSSA. The multi award winning ECS group is the pinnacle of what a GSSA can offer. I join the Globe Air Cargo UK team at an optimum moment – we have a great team, established airlines and loyal customers. My focus is on continuing the growth and development of our relationships and business, making full use of our market-leading data suite and digital infrastructure to improve efficiencies and offer truly customised solutions.

“The combination of ECS Group’s international reach, our excellent UK team and my local knowledge, experience and network, creates an unparalleled service offer to airlines and forwarders alike in the UK and I look forward to discussing how Globe Air Cargo UK can deliver on the market’s requirements. Exciting times ahead.”

Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, said: “With Steve Hughes, Globe Air Cargo UK and its customers are getting the best of both worlds. He understands how airlines work and what they expect from their GSSA and he is well-versed in the ins and outs of managing a GSSA.”

“Steve’s strong focus on customer-centricity, process optimisation and positive sales results are very closely aligned with our ECS Group values and our joint strategy going forward, will be on further improving the load factors for our existing customers, as well as expanding Globe Air Cargo UK’s customer base to new regions. At this point, I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks, also on behalf for ECS Group, to Michelle House for her outstanding contribution to Globe Air Cargo UK over the past 10 years and we wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement after an impressive 44 years in the industry.”

Steve Hughes has been working alongside Michelle House since October 2025, to ensure a smooth transition by December 2025. He added: “I have known and worked with Michelle for many years during our time at Virgin Atlantic, so it has been amazing and a privilege to take a handover from Michelle. Michelle has done an amazing job in her 10 years at Globe Air Cargo UK, so I have big shoes to fill. We have had a busy agenda meeting key carriers and customers to ensure business continuity and consistency. A huge thanks to Michelle for her support.”