The CMMB represents IAM members at the executive committee of the organisation. Its mission is to pass on the concerns and possible problems encountered by members in the execution of their profession.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Thomas joined AGS in 2003 as a VIE (International Volunteer in Enterprise) in Gabon. He later joined the company’s internal training programme and managed several branches including Cape Verde, Egypt, Romania and Urkraine. Thomas was appointed Deputy to the Africa Director in 2008. He travelled intensively all over the continent and took an active part in the opening of new branches including the DRC, South Sudan and Mauritius.

Thomas took over the management of the AGS Africa Desk in July 2012. The Africa Desk offers our customers a single point of contact for the entire African continent, the fifty employees of this division manage an average of 8,000 operations per year and rely on the expertise of our 64 African branches.

Thomas sees this appointment as a recognition of his experience in Africa:

“I am very honoured by this nomination. During my 15 years at AGS, I was able to understand all aspects of the international moving industry. Africa is an exciting continent and I hope to contribute as a core member to provide a better understanding of its logistical aspects and the challenges that our industry may face on the continent.“

Married and father of three little ones, Thomas has been living in Cape Town with his family since 2008. When his very busy schedule allows, this kind-hearted 39-year-old executive enjoys surfing, reading and exploring South Africa with his family and friends.

The IAM’s Hall of Honor was established in 2008 to pay tribute to industry leaders whose careers reflect exceptional and distinguished service to their companies, the Association or who have worked to elevate the industry as a whole. Tony Waugh, a veteran in the international relocations industry, started in the industry in 1978 when the software company, in which he was a partner, developed computer systems for Trans-Euro and other European Movers.

Tony’s company later re-wrote the systems for US Van Lines, which led him to move from his home country of Ireland to the USA in 1984. The system was installed at North American International, United Van Lines and Mayflower over the next 18 months. He joined Mayflower in 1986 to develop agent communications systems and was subsequently appointed as the VP of their international division in 1988, a position he held until 1996.

He joined Global Silverhawk in 1996 and held positions as Executive VP and COO until leaving to start a consulting business in 2000. His consulting clients included Runzheimer, Suddath, PWC, Bank One and AGS Worldwide Movers.

In 2008, AGS Worldwide Movers hired Tony as a partner responsible for the Group’s US relations, and to study and develop our relationship with the American market.

AGS Group Management congratulates Tony on this exceptional achievement and wishes him continued success for the future.

Every year, this unique event brings together nearly 2000 participants, representing 1700 member companies from more than 160 countries worldwide. Industry professionals had an opportunity to meet and share ideas with partners from around the world.

The International Association of Movers (IAM), is the largest international group of professionals in the moving industry with more than 2000 members in 170 countries. The association brings together companies that specialise in moving, transport, logistics and other mobility related services. IAM also provides support to its members to develop their business by dispensing unparalleled resources, support and networking opportunities.

Every year, the AGS Group meets its partners during the IAM annual conference to reflect on the past year’s activities and potential business ideas.

A partner is appointed by a moving company to act as a representative in organising a move. A branch of the AGS Group may call upon a representative when the group is not directly located in a region or a country. The partner will then take care of receiving the shipment, customs clearance and final delivery.

Partners who work with AGS have been carefully selected to meet the strict quality standards of the group. All partners are members of quality accreditation bodies to ensure that we maintain our commitment to offer identical services of uniform quality, no matter the destination anywhere in the world.

The annual IAM meeting is an important event for both the AGS Group and the partners. It allows us to address operational issues and to take stock of the developments and acquisitions in the industry. The AGS Group has always maintained excellent relations with its partners in order to offer our customers exceptional quality of service everywhere in the world.

As a global leader in the removals sector, it is essential for AGS to keep abreast of industry trends and networks.  AGS therefore annually commits a team of delegates to a schedule of international tradeshows, ensuring that a cutting-edge in service levels is maintained.

Normally in excess of ten members, AGS’ team is led by Executive Board member Joëlle Castro and Vice President of Operations Ido Barner. Core delegates include senior AGS network managers and regional representatives, including from France, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, the Philippines, China and India.

Gold Sponsorship of IAM

The AGS team’s presence at the International Association of Mover’s (IAM) 52nd Annual meeting in Orlando this year, from October 7 to 10, will be bolstered as AGS takes the spotlight as a Gold Sponsor for the event for the second time since 2013.

This sponsorship has secured AGS a prime triple-booth space – Booth #809, under the name ‘AGS Movers Angola’ but representing AGS worldwide – in the IAM Meeting’s Exhibit Hall. This will act as a focal meeting point between AGS’ representatives and business partners within the United States and globally.

“AGS’ participation in the 2013 IAM event was a huge success, as in addition to meeting with our regular partners there were also over 2 000 attendees – some of whom had their first interaction with the AGS Group,” explains Tony Waugh, AGS’ Director of Partner Relations for the United States.

Other Trade Shows

Another international 2014 conference at which AGS will be participating is Worldwide ERC’s Global Workforce Symposium – from October 8 to 10 in Chicago – showcasing AGS’ integrated suite of removal services to partners in the global mobility sector.

Preparations are also well underway for the next FIDI Conference to be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, from March 29 to April 1 in 2015.

If you’ll be attending any of the above events, please be sure to visit AGS’ stand – we look forward to meeting you!

The provisional schedule for the IAM Meeting can be found online at http://www.iammeetings.com/schedule/