SWISS has announced the appointment of Alain Chisari as the new head of its Swiss WorldCargo airfreight division, effective October 1, 2024. Chisari, a seasoned aviation professional with over 20 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.
Chisari, a dual citizen of Switzerland and Italy, joined SWISS in 2008 after a successful career with other airlines. He has held various management positions within both SWISS and the Lufthansa Group, demonstrating his strong leadership skills and deep understanding of the aviation industry. Currently serving as the ITA Implementation Officer for the Lufthansa Group, Chisari brings a global perspective to his new role.
He succeeds Lorenzo Stoll, who has decided to pursue opportunities outside the airline sector after 11 years with Swiss WorldCargo. Stoll, who led the division through the challenging pandemic years, will transition to a new role as CEO of a Swiss company in the healthcare industry.
As the new Head of Swiss WorldCargo, Chisari will oversee the entire airfreight division, which employs approximately 300 people globally. He will be responsible for driving the division’s strategic direction, ensuring its continued success and growth.
Chisari’s impressive career journey includes leadership roles in various departments, including Leisure Sales, External Relations & Alliances at SWISS, and Chief Commercial Officer at Edelweiss. He also served as Vice President Area Management Asia & Pacific in Singapore and oversaw Area Management EMEA in Munich for the Lufthansa Group.
“Alain Chisari brings a vast range of experience of the airline business both within and beyond the Lufthansa Group to his new position,” says SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach. “Thanks to his various international activities, he is also excellently connected throughout our industry. I’m convinced that he will continue to successfully develop our air cargo business, and I look forward to working with him. I also offer Lorenzo Stoll my warmest thanks for all his service and commitment. He steered our airfreight division with great success, not least through the highly challenging pandemic times; and he and his Swiss WorldCargo team have consistently made a key contribution to our company’s favourable earnings of the past few years.”
Chisari holds an Executive Master’s Degree in General Management from the SGMI Institute of Management St. Gallen. He is fluent in English, French, German, Italian, and Swedish, making him a valuable asset for the globally-focused Swiss WorldCargo team. With his extensive experience, leadership skills, and global network, Chisari is well-equipped to lead Swiss WorldCargo into the future.
