Luca Quaresima, Europe Logistic and Operations Manager of Breda, Holland-headquartered NewCold Advanced Cold Logistics, has been presented the Global NextGen Award from the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). In the five years of the award’s history, he is the first recipient from Europe to receive the top honor, which recognizes outstanding young professionals in the world’s refrigerated warehousing and distribution sector.
“The Global NextGen Award celebrates the accomplishments of our industry’s rising stars, and Luca is a great example of that,” said Brian Beazer, general manager and chief executive officer of WCS Logistics and chairman of the World Food Logistics Organization. “2020 showed us the need for individuals who lead, now more than ever. All of our nominees were in good company and have proven themselves to be great young leaders.”
Among other eligibility requirements for the prize, finalists demonstrate excellence in their work; the potential to excel further in many facets within the industry; and insight into their organization’s strategic values, direction, policies and ways of working.
Candidates for the award were nominated by national refrigerated warehousing organizations to compete virtually for the global top prize. In addition to Quaresima, finalists included:
•Demi Hiriaki of Iceland Cold Storage in Australia, winner of the 2019 Frank Vale Award
•Zeshan Hassan of Congebec, Inc. in Canada, winner of the 2020 Don Schlimme Future Leader Award
As part of the selection process, each nominee was interviewed and judged by a panel of industry leaders from around the world. Candidates were evaluated on their knowledge level of the industry, track record of excellence, communication skills and leadership skills. In addition, each candidate delivered a ten-minute presentation to the panel of judges virtually.
About the Global Cold Chain Alliance
The Global Cold Chain Alliance represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics. Its core partner trade associations are the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW), World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO), International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA), and the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA).
