Atif Malik to lead ISS Freeports as Teesside hub launches

ISS Holdings has appointed Atif Malik as Global Head of its Freeport Division, ISS Freeports, in conjunction with the launch of the company's second ISS Airview hub at Teesside International Airport.

Atif Malik, described as a prominent figure in international enterprise and the Freeport sector, will be responsible for overseeing the global expansion of ISS's ISS Airview model. The Teesside hub will link strategically with the flagship ISS hub at Newcastle International Airport to create what is described as the United Kingdom's first integrated Freeport-based trade corridor, aimed at improving global market access from the North East of England.

Malik's appointment follows a career spanning 25 years in entrepreneurial leadership, with 19 years specifically within Freeports and economic zones. His background includes serving as the UK and European representative for Ajman Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates and acting as a strategic trade adviser to Pakistan. Malik has contributed to inward investment strategies and public-private partnerships across various countries, and his achievements feature large-scale regeneration efforts, commercial developments, and cross-border innovation projects.

"Atif's appointment is transformational. He's a globally respected leader in Freeports and enterprise zones — someone who understands how to unlock real economic value by connecting regions to the world. We're proud to welcome him as the driving force behind our global Freeport division. With Atif on board, we're not just building infrastructure — we're building legacy," Ammar Mirza CBE, of ISS Holdings, commented.

As Global Head, Malik will focus on the expansion of ISS Airview's platform, which is structured around innovation, internationalisation, and investment. The ISS Airview hubs are described as providing tailored business support for scaleups, corporates, and international investors, with a particular strength in combining skilled personnel, strategically located facilities, and dedicated programmes.

"It is a privilege to lead ISS's global Freeport strategy at such a pivotal moment. The UK — and Teesside in particular — has the potential to become a global centre for trade, investment, and clean industrial growth. With ISS Airview, we are creating an international ecosystem that connects the North East to Riyadh, Bangalore, and beyond. What excites me most is that we are doing this in collaboration — not in competition — with existing Freeport partners, adding value and amplifying their impact," Atif Malik stated.

Malik's appointment occurs at a time when Teesside Freeport is undergoing significant expansion. As the United Kingdom's first and largest operational Freeport, Teesside is forecasted to generate up to 18,000 jobs and contribute substantial economic injections, supported by various incentives and sectors, including sites at Teesworks, Wilton International, and Teesside International Airport.

Launching ISS Airview's second hub within the Teesside Freeport customs zone positions ISS Holdings as a facilitator for market access, especially for sectors such as clean energy, offshore industries, and advanced manufacturing. The company intends to connect regional industries with global trade and capital networks, emphasising collaboration with local and international partners.

"We're proud to welcome ISS Freeports and Atif Malik to Teesside International Airport as part of our growing Freeport ecosystem. The launch of ISS Airview's second hub here strengthens our position as a gateway for global trade and investment. Atif's international experience and ISS's commitment to collaboration and innovation will play a key role in unlocking new opportunities for businesses across the Tees Valley and beyond," Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, said.

The expansion of Airview at Teesside follows ISS Holdings' earlier hub launch at Newcastle at the beginning of 2025. The group's future plans include additional hubs in Riyadh and Bangalore, as part of a broader network intended to connect Freeport-linked sites internationally.