A doyen of the freight industry, Jeff Piater (58), died last week after complications related to a heart condition. Described by long-time colleague and friend Tiger Wessels as one of the greatest visionaries the industry has ever known, Piater joined the industry immediately after school, working for Aeromarine, Freightmarine and Safmarine before joining logistics major WTC, today known at UTi, in a sales capacity. He worked his way up the corporate ladder from sales manager to general manager, eventually taking on the role of managing director before a heart attack forced him into early retirement. He continued to work for UTi in its projects division on a consultancy basis until 18 months ago According to Rod Taylor, managing director of International Liner Agencies, who has known Jeff for the past 25 years, he was a unique individual whose enthusiasm and insights were an inspiration to so many successful leaders in the industry. A fanatical fisherman, he never missed an opportunity to pursue his aquatic interest. Jeff leaves his wife Debbie and three children.
