THLG NextGen launched as the network looks to the future

The Heavy Lift Group (THLG) launched its THLG NextGen initiative at its 74th annual conference and annual general meeting (AGM) in The Hague on June 15.

Aiming to nurture the next generation of leaders in the heavy lift, project cargo and logistics industry, THLG NextGen is a structured programme that is supported by a formal charter, a framework for governance and a development roadmap.

“Every successful organisation must think beyond the present,” commented Elizabeth CosmatosTHLG president and ceo of Cosmatos Group. “NextGen is not only about supporting young professionals; it is about ensuring that the values, expertise and collaborative spirit that have defined THLG for decades continue to thrive through future generations. We are not simply launching a committee. We are investing in the future leadership of our industry.”

Speaking to HLPFI for its upcoming recruitment and training report, Cosmatos shared that THLG NextGen has eight members already with ages ranging from 18-27 at various levels of experience. The goal is to have a structure with 8-12 members representing an age group of 17-30 from a variety of backgrounds – be it business, engineering or law.

Active participation

“The most important thing is to be committed to active participation.” Cosmatos said. The committee consists of a chair, vice chair, working group lead and programme manager. Emre Eldener of KITA Logisticsa long-time member of THLG, will act as a mentor to the programme.

Initially, THLG NextGen will focus on five pillars: education and skills development; mentorship and reverse mentorship; network engagement and visibility; innovation and future thinking; community values and culture. The initiative aims to create meaningful opportunities for emerging professionals to develop their skills through educational workshops, webinars and knowledge-sharing sessions. Members will learn from industry experts, exchange ideas and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.

In addition, THLG NextGen will promote mentorship, collaboration and practical learning through lessons-learned discussions, operational best-practice exchanges, and port, terminal and office visits hosted by member organisations. Working closely with senior THLG members, the programme will encourage intergenerational dialogue.

The next era of global trade

The launch of THLG NextGen tied in nicely with the network’s overarching conference theme: From uncertainty to opportunity: The next era of global trade.

Programme highlights included a keynote address from Jaap Roastsecretary general of the Waterborne Technology Platformwhich captured the realities businesses face in an era of intense supply chain disruption.

Presentations included a Middle East market analysis from Laurance Langdongeneral manager at Modern Freight Companyand a case study of a more than 10,500 km cross-continental wind energy logistics project from China to the Caucasus from Ildus Barievgeneral manager of Globalink Logistics.

A fireside chat between Grant Bellpartner and operations director at NMT Projectsand Janesh Gulatimanaging director of Total Movements provided regional perspectives from Australia and India on how trade has evolved over the years and its future outlook.

The AGM also saw THLG elect its executive committee for the next term and welcome six new members to the network: Dolezych from Germany, Mohab Logistics from Tunisia, Ultrabulk from Denmark, Student from Indonesia, Hacklin International from China and BRAIN Shipping Company from Uruguay.

To read more about the THLG NextGen initiative in HLPFI’s July/August 2026 edition of the magazine, subscribe today.