Customs Support Group Appoints Industry Advisory Board

The Customs Support Group (CSG), Europe’s leading independent provider of customs clearance and trade solutions, has established its Industry Advisory Board (IAB). This body brings together the expertise of distinguished industry experts to drive innovation and develop new solutions. This strengthens CSG’s position as a market leader and underscores the significant importance of the customs industry for global trade and economic growth.

The establishment of the IAB comes at a strategically important time: In light of geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, regulatory changes, and rapidly changing global supply chains, professional customs management is becoming increasingly important for internationally operating companies.

“The demand for customs expertise is higher than ever before,” says John Wegman, CEO of the Customs Support Group. “With the IAB of the Customs Support Group, we ensure that we maintain our leadership position – not only because we attract the best minds, but also because we leverage their expertise to navigate market changes, seize new opportunities, and provide even greater value to our customers.”
The chair of the IAB is Friederike Engelken. She is a recognized expert in customs and trade strategy and combines her extensive practical experience with the legacy of WZC Riemann, one of the oldest customs agencies in Europe with nearly 150 years of experience.

Pooling Unique Network of Expertise

“The IAB is about pooling CSG’s unique network of expertise and strategically applying it for the future,” explains Friederike Engelken. “Different perspectives lead to new ideas, stronger connections, and a tangible added value – for our customers and for our industry.”

Together with chairwoman Friederike Engelken, the internationally composed IAB currently consists of eight highly experienced members (in alphabetical order):

• John Dawson is a respected expert in customs clearance and logistics management with over 35 years of experience and founder of Bell Transport & Logistics in Ireland, where he has earned a reputation for operational excellence.
• Ton van Grinsven was a founding member of CSG in the Netherlands, has more than 30 years of experience in global customs and logistics, and has played a key role in the company’s international expansion. He continues to serve strategic multinational clients.
• Harald Halvorsen junior is a fourth-generation expert in customs clearance and freight forwarding, representing the legacy of Harald Halvorsen Spedisjon AS, one of the oldest and most respected customs agencies in Norway. He brings extensive experience in local and international trade operations, organizational development, and strategic management consulting.
• Claudia Strobel has 25 years of experience in digital processes, management, marketing, and human resources and was a co-founder of the German iZD Group, whose innovation and consulting concept she has significantly shaped with her leadership skills and strategic understanding.
• Gerd Strobel is a strategy consultant and expert in customs clearance and training with nearly 40 years of experience. He was a co-founder of the iZD Group, a driving force behind its growth, and shaped the company’s reputation as a reliable partner in customs and foreign trade.
• Mark Taylor is an expert in digital customs clearance, duty management, and international trade processes with more than 35 years of experience. He was a co-founder of the British Britannia Bureau Ltd, where he earned a reputation as a pioneer for digital solutions and top-notch compliance.
• Peter Wolf is a renowned logistics professional with over 45 years of experience, having led large projects across Europe in shipping, agency management, and supply chain strategy. He is a partner at WCL – Worldwide Consultants in Logistics GmbH, Germany, and brings extensive expertise in transformation, integration, and operational excellence.

Driving Future-Oriented Development

These leaders possess extensive expertise and practical experience in customs, logistics, and international trade. Many of them have previously founded and led market-leading customs agencies that were later acquired by CSG. Today, they contribute their know-how to sharpen corporate strategy, strengthen customer relationships, and expand the international network. In the coming year, CSG plans to expand the board with additional members to broaden expertise and perspectives even further.
Through the combined expertise of its IAB members, the Customs Support Group aims to increase its visibility, drive its future-oriented development, and enhance its strategic influence – and maintain its leadership position in a customs industry that has become more important than ever.

Photo: © Customs Support Group / Image caption (l. to r.): Peter Wolf, Friederike Engelken, Harald Halvorsen, John Dawson, Gerd Strobel, Claudia Strobel, and Ton van Grinsven