Airforwarders Association Appointed New CEO
The trade group has named Steve Smith to succeed long-time leader Brandon Fried as chief executive.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
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The Airforwarders Association has appointed Steve Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Brandon Fried, who led the organization for 21 years. Smith will take over the leadership role following his previous tenure as the head of the non-profit organization Airlink.
Why it matters
The transition replaces a two-decade-long administration at a critical industry advocacy group that represents air freight forwarders. Operators rely on the association for regulatory influence and sector-specific representation in Washington.
The transition follows Brandon Fried’s 21-year tenure at the association, while incoming CEO Steve Smith brings 25 years of leadership experience. During Smith's 13-year term as CEO of Airlink, the organization generated nearly $20 million in annual revenue.
The players
Steve Smith
The incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Airforwarders Association with 25 years of logistics leadership experience.
Brandon Fried
The outgoing leader of the Airforwarders Association who managed the organization for 21 years.
Airforwarders Association
A Washington-based trade organization that advocates for the interests of the air freight industry.
The details
Steve Smith joins the Airforwarders Association following a 13-year stint as the President and CEO of Airlink, where he coordinated logistics for over 50 airlines and 250 humanitarian groups. He will work alongside Brandon Fried during an ongoing transition period to ensure operational continuity. Smith's previous background includes a senior commercial role at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace and management of response efforts for more than 200 global crises.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The association announced the leadership appointment.
October 26-29, 2026: Smith and Fried will attend the Air Cargo Forum in Miami.
Market Landscape
This transition concludes the 21-year tenure of Brandon Fried, representing a generational change for the Airforwarders Association. It follows the pattern of long-term executive shifts at established industry trade groups, where advocacy continuity is vital.
Operators in the air freight space should monitor upcoming policy agendas from the association to see if Smith shifts the group's current advocacy priorities. Members should plan for potential adjustments to service agreements or outreach protocols as the new executive settles into his role.
The takeaway
The move signals a pivotal shift for members of the Airforwarders Association as they adjust to new leadership after two decades of consistency. Stakeholders should track the association’s policy newsletter for formal announcements regarding updated member engagement strategies under Smith.
What happens next
Steve Smith and Brandon Fried are scheduled to participate in interviews at the Air Cargo Forum in Miami, occurring from October 26 to October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on industry leadership changes, see our People section.
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