Insights from Phil Jensen, Rinzing Wangyal, and Lionel van der Walt (non-members)

Discover WFS’s new JFK facility and hear speakers from WFS and Nallian at our October Luncheon:
Insights from Phil Jensen, Rinzing Wangyal, and Lionel van der Walt

Vetro’s, June 20th, 11:30 – 13:30 Cost: $55 members / $65 non-members / $75 at the door
Pay at the door with cash and or a check.

Phillip J. Jensen

Phil Jensen is the Vice President of Business Development and Industry Relations for Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a global company whose North American headquarters are located at JFK Airport in Jamaica New York. Phil has served in other aviation related positions at JFK and LGA airports in the capacities of General Manager of Northwest Airlines and KLM and Director of Services at Evergreen EAGLE. Phil has a BS Degree in Business Management and more than 35 years of aviation management experience. Phil has served in the capacities of President at the Kennedy Airport Airline Management Council (KAAMCO), President of the JFK Chamber of Commerce, Board Member Council Airport Opportunity and currently serves on the JFK Air Cargo Association Board. He has been the recipient of various industry awards and recognition including Honoree Bishop Wright Aviation Award, JFK Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year, KAAMCO Cargo Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement award from the JFK Chamber of Commerce. As 2000 JFK Chamber President Phil established the Chamber Scholarship at what is now Vaughn College. In 2014 Phil Received the Yolan DePhillips Award for “exemplifying Honor, Respect and Greatness in the workplace and beyond”. Other industry memberships include the JFK Rotary, JFK Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, the Long Island Import and Export Association and the New York Airport Managers Association (NYAMA).

Lionel van der Walt

Lionel van der Walt is a dynamic global executive with over 20 years of leadership experience driving growth and transformation across industries. Currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer at Nallian, he brings a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic vision, a proven hands-on strategist with a track record of leading exceptional value at high-tech, hyper-growth startups and international nonprofit associations.

Prior to Nallian, Lionel held C-suite roles at Raft, PayCargo, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) and Cargo Network Services Corp. (CNS), a subsidiary of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). His career also includes over a decade at IATA in various leadership roles spanning Southern Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, and a foundational start in the South African Air Force.

Passionate about developing high-performance teams and fostering innovation, Lionel is a champion of collaboration, partnerships and diversity. Having worked and lived in South Africa, Spain, the United Sates and the United Kingdom, he has a deep understanding of international markets and multicultural environments that enables him to navigate and solve complex global business challenges.
Lionel holds an MBA from Milpark Business School and began his career as an Air Traffic Controller and Aircraft Maintenance Technician.

Rinzing Wangyal

Rinzing Wangyal is a distinguished professional with an impressive career spanning over 25 years in the airline and aviation industry. Currently serving as the Vice President of Business Development at Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a global leader in cargo handling, Rinzing’s journey is marked by exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and demonstrable success in managing complex business projects. His early career launched in pivotal roles with well-known companies like Gateway Services, Cargo Service Center, Swissport, and Cargo Airport Services.Holding a bachelor’s degree in political science, FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology- Interior Design (Coursework) and Queens College – Computer Science (Studies). Rinzing possesses remarkable analytical and critical thinking skills that regularly benefit professional organizations within the cargo industry through his active involvement and reliable awareness of industry trends and developments.Among his most influential contributions to the industry is the implementation of the auto payment system and ePic warehouse management system. He played a key role in implementing various initiatives, including the introduction of a dock management system at JFK International Airport. This system notably decreased truck congestion, showcasing his dedication to enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, his forward-thinking leadership is evident in spearheading the planning of the new facility, B260, at JFK. Scheduled to launch in 2025, this facility integrates advanced features such as state-of-the-art solar power equipment and top-tier Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETV), reflecting his commitment to innovation.Rinzing, however, is not only an effective leader; he is also an exceptional innovator. This aspect of his character is best captured by his pivotal role in planning the CES facility in JFK, in partnership with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).Rinzing has been happily married to his beloved wife, Wendy Cheung, for 21 years. He takes immense pride in being the father of their 17-year-old daughter, Karma Wangyal.