The WACO System (WACO) has elected its board at its annual general meeting (AGM) in Athens, Greece, with Duarte Rocha joining as a new board member.
Rocha is managing director of Extra Transportes Internacionais Lda, WACO’s member for Portugal since 1984.
“Duarte has been part of WACO for many years and is well known across the network for his freight forwarding experience, sound judgement, and practical approach,” said Richard Charles, chief executive, The WACO System.
“He joins the Board at an important moment as we strengthen membership in Latin America, build our presence in Africa, and roll out digital tools that help members work together more effectively.”
Rocha joined Extra Transportes in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience in international logistics and supply chain management.
He has held senior roles across the business and has helped develop Extra Transportes’ international freight forwarding, logistics, and supply chain services.
The only other change to the WACO board was the retirement of Vince Touya, after serving for three years.
WACO said the board will now focus on growth in Latin America and Africa, as well as digital initiatives designed to make cooperation between members faster, clearer, and easier to manage.
The network said continuity on the board, alongside Rocha’s appointment, will support independent freight forwarders as they respond to changing customer needs and shifting trade patterns.
WACO is an independent global freight management and logistics organisation. It has a community of 127 members in 119 countries with a combined network of more than 400 locations, employing over 21,000 freight professionals who handle over 1.85m shipments each year, including 1m tonnes of airfreight.
The company is an association owned by its members, with its corporate head office in Zurich, Switzerland, and operational management in London, UK.
