At the end of October 2025, Robert Keen officially retired from the British International Freight Association (BIFA) after 26 years of service.
Keen initially joined the BIFA secretariat full-time in 1999 as general manager, bringing experience from previous roles at ASM (UK), Burlington Air Express, and BAX Global. He became the go-to individual on the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions, co-developing both member training programmes and the Know your BIFA STC article series in BIFAlink alongside former director general Colin Beaumont.
In 2014, Keen was appointed BIFA’s director general following Peter Quantrill’s retirement, going on to lead the association for eight years. Stepping down in 2022, Keen remained with BIFA as international relations manager.
“We are part of a fantastic community and although our profile is often low, it’s a sign that forwarders get on with the tasks at hand quietly, under the radar – which means that we are doing the job well,” said Keen.
BIFA director general, Steve Parker, added: “I wish him well for a long, healthy and enjoyable retirement, as does everyone at BIFA.”
In September 2025, BIFA released its updated STC for freight forwarders, which can be used by members from December 31, 2025.
