SCHAUMBURG, Ill., November 16, 2023 – SEKO Logistics (SEKO), the leader in end-to-end global logistics, today announced the expanded role of Mike Ligthart as global commercial director for the company’s Government, Space & Defense vertical. In this new position, he will support the Government, Space & Defense global sales teams in growing its customer portfolio.
Based in Rotterdam, Ligthart was previously the commercial lead in EMEA and supported the significant growth of Government, Space & Defense led by the SEKO Netherlands team. Under his guidance, SEKO’s Government, Space & Defense team has also expanded its humanitarian aid and relief partnerships to deliver critical supplies to communities in crisis, such as Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Libya, Turkey, Morocco, Kosovo and South Sudan. Since joining the company in 2015, Ligthart has been the leading force in organizing international defense and relief exhibitions for SEKO and raising awareness of SEKO’s capabilities and industry expertise among global government and defense agencies. He’s spent the past several years on the ground leading operations across disaster and conflict zones ranging from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
“We are incredibly proud of what the Government, Space & Defense team has accomplished under Mike’s leadership,” said Maxime Bessiere, SEKO’s Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA. “In the European Union alone, Mike has overseen nearly 5,000 deliveries in the past year. His connections, attention to detail and passion for this sector of the supply chain industry will bring SEKO’s global Government, Space & Defense capabilities to a new level.”
Ligthart has proven to be a trusted, experienced and hands-on leader, coordinating and escorting all Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) shipments for the past several years, including transporting 118 x 20-inch containers worth $118 million. From a contractor’s facility in Sweden to the Ports of Varberg and Wallhamn, SEKO safely delivered the office’s shipment of U.S. Ammo Flag vessel movement to the ports.
Most notably, he facilitated the historic shipment from Maine to Tel Aviv on the world’s largest plane, Antonov AN-225, on behalf of Oshkosh Defense.
“No matter how sensitive the shipment or challenging the equipment, we facilitate full compliance in the movement of our clients’ most sensitive military, space and government equipment and products,” said Ligthart. “I look forward to leading our Government, Space & Defense division as we continue to innovate on a global scale and ensure the safest delivery of our clients’ shipments.”
SEKO Government, Space & Defense supports the execution of transportation, logistics and warehousing with full regard for export compliance, on behalf of NATO countries, defense contractors and subject matter experts. Across the globe, the SEKO Government, Space & Defense team’s fast decision-making process provides innovative solutions that continue to redefine defense logistics. As an approved government logistics provider with ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications from SGS, the team pioneers everything from essential pilot programs to complex customs bonds. Throughout the entire supply chain, SEKO utilizes approved ocean, air and land carriers, subcontractors and secured warehouses all checked and vetted by export compliance team of experts.
To learn more about SEKO Government, Space & Defense, visit our website.
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About SEKO Logistics
Built on nearly 50 years of logistics expertise, SEKO Logistics is the no-nonsense global end-to-end logistics partner – from shipper to consumer. SEKO delivers client-first service, expert reliability and tech-driven shipping solutions that turn supply chains into a competitive differentiator. With over 150 offices in more than 60 countries, SEKO helps you move at the speed of global commerce. Learn more at www.sekologistics.com.
About SEKO Government, Space & Defense
SEKO Government, Space & Defense is the leader in end-to-end logistics for the government, space and defense industries, by delivering sustainable client-first service, expert reliability and technology solutions on a global scale. By offering ‘one-stop’ services specifically tailored to our clients’ unique security needs, we move the most sensitive shipments to the world’s most complex areas. From asset recovery and military base clearance to training seminars and warehousing, we operate as an extension of your team providing tech-driven solutions to achieve your goals and deliver with care. We go the extra mile to make it happen securely, every time. https://www.sekologistics.com/us/freight-forwarding/government-and-defense/
Media Contact:
Haley Hartmann
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