Leadership
Steven McDonald, President & CEO
Mr. McDonald co-founded M2 Transport in 2001. Under his guidance the company has expanded from an aircraft charter management company into a full-service international provider of creative logistics solutions utilizing all modes of transportation.
Prior to M2 Transport, Mr. McDonald was a co-founder and shareholder in Gemini Air Cargo. Mr. McDonald was instrumental in the company’s raising over $100 million in equity capital from Oaktree Capital to start the company in 1995 and the company’s $300 million re-capitalization with The Carlyle Group in 1999. At the time, Gemini was the second largest ACMI cargo airline in the world.
Mr. McDonald served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He developed Gemini’s long term ACMI & Aircraft Charter business plan and sourced its entire initial customer base prior to departing in 2000.
Mr. McDonald received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Duquesne University and his MBA – Finance from Marymount University.
Naji Basma, Vice President, Sales & Operations
Mr. Basma rejoined M2 Transport in 2020 as the Vice President of Sales and Operations. In this capacity, he has reach over international and domestic services, logistics services and much more.
His initial tenure with M2 Transport began in 2008 as the Director of International Air Freight. As director, Mr. Basma developed relationships with key third-party members, negotiated airline and inland freight carrier rates and ensured crucial timelines were met.
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Mr. Basma is as well versed as they come. An expert in export compliance, global compliance and sales, he credits his wealth of knowledge and initial interest in the business to his love of aviation. Gravitating towards airfreight at the onset of his career, Mr. Basma is trained in all moves of transportation including warehousing and customs.
Mr. Basma graduated from West Georgia University and is certified in Security Threat Assessment, Transportation Security Administration and Hazardous Materials – IATA.
Sean Nix, Director Animal Transport
Mr. Nix is a lifelong racing enthusiast who became hooked on the sport through regular trips to Churchill Downs. Joining M2 Transport in 2012, Mr. Nix has served as a key piece in building out the Animal Transport division of the company which he currently spearheads.
During this span, Mr. Nix has developed key relationships with airlines, brokered and operated live animal charters and overseen ground operations for many of our live animal exports.
His time with M2 Transport followed three years with the U.S. Jockey Club during which he acted as a sales representative for Equineline products, including horse farm management software.
Mr. Nix is a graduate of the University of Louisville Business Program with a focus on Equine Business. In his degree program, he contributed to the Winners Federation Directory of Counseling and Addiction Services for Equine Industry Workers by providing key research prior to its publication.