Few people have witnessed the evolution of the temperature-controlled logistics industry as closely as Honorary CCA Member, Sebastiaan Scholte. From handling perishables in Latin America to leading industry-wide efforts to establish standards, Sebastiaan’s career has been truly global.
His introduction to the cool chain came early in his aviation career at Aeromexico Cargo in Mexico.
“I first dealt with temperature-controlled products while I started at Aeromexico Cargo in Mexico,” he recalls. “Mainly perishables, and I immediately understood the need for on-time, high-quality processes.”
That early experience sparked a career specialising in temperature-sensitive logistics. Sebastiaan later joined Cargolux Airlines, where he was responsible for South America, overseeing shipments of flowers and fruit from Ecuador and Colombia, alongside seafood exports from Chile.
Helping shape a more professional industry
Looking back over several decades in the industry, Sebastiaan believes the biggest transformation has been the sector’s growing professionalism.
“It has become a lot more professional. The whole supply chain has adopted standards to a much greater extent, and, of course, technology has evolved as well.”
Those changes were something he actively helped drive during his time as Chairman of the Cool Chain Association between 2012 and 2017. Under his leadership, the Association championed common standards across the cargo supply chain, particularly for pharmaceutical logistics while also supporting best practice for perishables.
Sebastiaan recalls working closely with industry stakeholders to encourage wider adoption of shared standards – efforts that ultimately contributed to IATA taking the lead in developing what became the CEIV programme.
“It was encouraging to see the industry come together behind a common goal,” he reflects.
Collaboration over blame
Despite advances in digital technology, visibility tools and specialised equipment, he believes the industry’s greatest challenge has remained remarkably consistent.
“Collaboration remains key.”
For him, successful supply chains are built on trust rather than assigning blame.
“The technology and systems are there. The crucial factor is the willingness to cooperate and not enter into the blame game. We should actually reward people for pointing out mistakes instead of penalising suppliers through SLAs. We all benefit from each other’s success.”
It is a philosophy that continues to resonate across today’s increasingly interconnected supply chains.
Inspiring the next generation
When asked what advice he would offer those entering temperature-controlled logistics today, his answer is simple.
“Keep questioning things and do not become complacent with the status quo.”
Curiosity, he believes, is essential if the industry is to continue improving and adapting to new challenges.
Leadership is about helping others succeed
Rather than pointing to one defining achievement, he says the moments he values most are those where he has been able to help others grow.
“Luckily there are many achievements. Also the ones you’re less proud of, you learn from. But most importantly is to be able to inspire other people and help them excel.”
It is a perspective that reflects the leadership style for which many colleagues know him – focused on developing people as much as delivering results.
Outside work, family, friends and sport help keep life in balance, with swimming, wakeboarding and windsurfing among his favourite pursuits. And one piece of leadership advice has stayed with him throughout his career:
“Our ability to invent is a lot bigger than our ability to adapt.”
As the Cool Chain Association celebrates Sebastiaan’s contribution as an Honorary Member, his career serves as a reminder that while technology and standards continue to evolve, the industry’s greatest achievements are still built on people working together.
