GSW's 2026 Leaders of the Year Recognize Leadership, Innovation and Industry Impact

Each year, Ground Support Worldwide's Leaders of the Year awards recognize individuals, teams and innovations that are helping move the ground support industry forward. The 2026 honorees represent three different facets of leadership: a lifetime of service and integrity, a commitment to developing people, and a product innovation designed to improve operational efficiency.

Together, this year's winners reflect an industry focused on practical solutions, strong leadership and a clear understanding of the challenges facing airport and ground operations today.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Ben Reeves

The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ben Reeves, Executive Vice President of Power Stow Americas and a longtime industry leader whose career has spanned decades of innovation, service and advocacy.

Throughout his career, Reeves has helped shape the ground support equipment sector through leadership roles with organizations including TUG Manufacturing, Power Stow and the International Airport Equipment Association (IAEMA). Colleagues consistently point to his ability to combine strategic thinking with a straightforward, customer-focused approach.

Reeves has built a reputation for honesty, accountability and long-term relationship building. Those qualities have earned him widespread respect among manufacturers, suppliers and airline customers alike.

While many leaders are recognized for business accomplishments, Reeves' influence extends beyond products and companies. His commitment to mentoring others, supporting industry collaboration and helping strengthen the broader ground support community has left a lasting impact that continues to be felt throughout the industry.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes not only Reeves' professional accomplishments, but also the values he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career: integrity, transparency and a willingness to lead by example.

Read the full profile here.

Team Leader of the Year: Carter Ganss

Ground Support Worldwide's 2026 Team Leader of the Year is Carter Ganss, Managing Director of GSE at Southwest Airlines, whose leadership style has helped create a culture of trust, accountability and continuous improvement.

Ganss was selected for his ability to bring people together around a shared mission while maintaining a strong focus on operational performance. Colleagues describe him as a leader who empowers others, communicates clearly and remains deeply invested in the success of his team.

In an industry where equipment uptime, safety and operational reliability are critical, effective leadership often determines whether organizations thrive during periods of change and growth. Ganss has demonstrated that leadership is not simply about directing operations; it is about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported and motivated to perform at their best.

His recognition as Team Leader of the Year highlights the importance of people-focused leadership within the ground support industry. As organizations navigate workforce challenges, technological change and increasing operational demands, leaders like Ganss demonstrate the value of investing in employees and fostering strong team cultures.

The award also serves as a reminder that successful operations depend not only on equipment and technology, but on the individuals who maintain, operate and support those assets every day.

Read the full profile here. 

Product Leader of the Year: ITW GSE Power Share

The 2026 Product Leader of the Year award was presented to ITW GSE for Power Share, an innovative charging technology designed to help airports and ground handlers maximize electrical infrastructure while accelerating the transition to electric ground support equipment.

As airports around the world pursue sustainability goals and expand electric fleets, many operators face a common challenge: limited electrical capacity and the significant cost associated with expanding infrastructure.

Power Share addresses this challenge by allowing multiple charging units to intelligently share available power, directing electricity where it is needed most. The system helps operators make better use of existing infrastructure while reducing costs and improving charging efficiency.

The technology reflects a broader trend across the industry toward practical innovation. Rather than requiring major infrastructure overhauls, Power Share provides a solution that helps operators achieve electrification goals using resources already available to them.

Its selection as Product Leader of the Year underscores the growing importance of technologies that deliver measurable operational and financial benefits. As airports continue investing in sustainability initiatives, solutions that balance environmental objectives with real-world operational needs will play an increasingly important role.

Read the full profile here. 

Recognizing leadership in all its forms

Although this year's honorees represent different categories, they share a common theme: each has made a meaningful contribution to advancing the ground support industry.

Ben Reeves demonstrates the value of integrity and long-term leadership. Carter Ganss highlights the importance of investing in people and building strong teams. ITW GSE Power Share shows how innovation can solve practical challenges while supporting the industry's future.

Taken together, the 2026 Leaders of the Year reflect an industry that continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the principles that drive lasting success: strong leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Ground Support Worldwide congratulates all of the 2026 Leaders of the Year honorees and thanks them for their contributions to the advancement of the global ground support community.