DIRECTOR general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), Robert Keen, has been presented with the lifetime achievement honour at this year's Global Freight Awards.

Mr Keen joined the industry in 1970 and worked for a succession of forwarders before joining BIFA in 1999. He was appointed an executive director of BIFA in 2009, before becoming director general in 2014.

He is also chairman of the FIATA Multimodal Institute and a member of FIATA's Extended Board. He has also been vice chairman of CLECAT's Maritime Logistics Institute; a member of the CLECAT's Board, and chairman of the United Kingdom Air Cargo Club.

BIFA national chairman, John Stubbings: "We are delighted that Robert has been presented with this prestigious award, which reflects his excellent record of achievement in a lifelong career in freight forwarding and logistics.

"As the head of the UK's established representative body for the international freight industry, Robert has provided the leadership of BIFA that has helped us to support our members in their efforts to secure their development in the global economy against a background of ever changing customer demands and new legislation."

Mr Keen commented: "I am really pleased and honoured to have been nominated for this award and feel that it recognises the collective work done by the talented team of individuals within our secretariat, our Board of Directors, Council and Regional committees. It is a tribute to the work we do to drive forward BIFA's representative role and deliver results for our membership."