Atlas Air Names Head of Sustainability: 3 Things to Know

Atlas Air Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide, has promoted Richard Broekman to executive VP, chief commercial officer and head of sustainability.

Broekman succeeds Michael T. Steen, who shifts to president and CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide.

Here are three things to know about Atlas Air and Broekman's new role.

1. Business Focus, Scale and Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Goal: Atlas Air provides outsourced freight and passenger services. Key areas of expertise include cargo services, military charters and humanitarian missions.

Parent company Atlas Air Worldwide, based in Purchase, New York, had 3,078 employees listed on LinkedIn as of June 2023. The company is striving to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. With that goal in mind, Broekman will lead development of the Atlas Air's decarbonization strategies, which includes partnering with customers to implement sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon offsetting initiatives. 

On a related note, Atlas Air released its 2022 ESG report in early June 2023.

2. Richard Broekman's Business Background: Broekman joined Atlas in 2004 as a flight and revenue analyst. He joined the commercial team in 2008 and has served as senior director of commercial development and revenue management, and vice president, commercial development and charter sales. In 2018, he was named senior VP, global sales and commercial development.

3. Executive Perspectives: In a prepared statement about Broekman's new role, CEO Michael T. Steen said: “Richard brings a strong personal commitment to our Company’s mission to be our customers’ first choice and most valued partne. He is well-respected across the air cargo industry and brings extensive expertise across many facets of the business.  Under his strong leadership, we look forward to continuing to serve our blue-chip roster of customers with the world class performance that defines Atlas.” 

Added Broekman: “I am very proud of the role we serve in the global supply chain, and am excited for the opportunity to build on our position as one of the world’s largest freighter operators. It is a great honor to lead this team as we partner with our customers to help them achieve their business goals and deliver on our shared commitments to sustainability and corporate citizenship.”

New Sustainability Head at Atlas Air: Why Technology Partners Should Care

By 2027, 25% of Global 2000 companies will have assigned a chief sustainability officer (CSO) responsible for meeting their organization’s ESG goals and making ESG-related IT purchasing decisions, according to IDC.

Technology partners need to extend their sales, marketing, engagement and support strategies to successfully fulfill those CSO needs, Sustainable Tech Partner believes.