Parker, who has been in the freight and logistics industry since the early 1970s, retired from his position as head of Customs UK at DHL Global Forwarding at the end of 2022, and started his new role at BIFA at the start of this year.
His career started at Pandair in the early 1970s, which was bought by AEI, which in turn was acquired by Danzas, which was then acquired by DHL.
Previously serving as Chair of BIFA between 2011 and 2013, Parker has served on its Board of Directors and chaired its Customs Policy Group.
He will continue as Chair of FIATA’s Customs Affair Institute.
Keen was appointed Director General in 2014 and has been at the helm during turbulent times due to changing trading conditions caused by Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rachel Morley, National Chair of BIFA, says, “We are delighted that Stephen has accepted our invitation to become Director General. Having served as a Non-Executive Director for many years and been heavily involved in some of our policy groups, he is well versed in the work that BIFA undertakes and hits the ground running from day one.”
Saying goodbye to Keen, Morley adds, “Robert leaves behind a tremendous legacy of achievement in all four of BIFA’s key objective areas, which are representation and lobbying; the provision of advice and information; promotion; and training. Stephen’s challenge will be to continue to develop those objectives.”
Commenting on his new role, Parker says, “I am really pleased to be offered the opportunity to lead the trade association and am looking forward to working with the talented staff and management team at BIFA’s secretariat, as well as the Board of Directors, Council, Policy Groups and Regional committees.”