CEO - Logistics -Freight Forwarding

CONFIDENTIAL — EVP / CEO – LOGISTICSLocation: UAEReporting to: Group CEOScope: Integrated logistics business with approximately 600 employees and an international expansion mandateWe are seeking an execution-focused logistics leader to take full responsibility for an established business and lead its next phase of profitable growth. The role combines air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, warehousing, distribution, road transport and customs services.The successful executive will strengthen operations across the Middle East, India and Africa while developing businesses and partnerships in Southeast Asia and China. Candidates should bring substantial operating responsibility within an established regional or international freight forwarding, 3PL or 4PL organisation.Key responsibilitiesEnterprise leadership and financial performance- Own the business strategy and full P&L, including revenue, gross profit, EBITDA, cash flow, working capital and capital allocation.- Translate growth plans into country, product and customer targets with clear accountability.- Improve profitability through pricing discipline, procurement, productivity, asset utilisation and service quality.- Lead approximately 600 employees through country heads, product leaders and functional managers.- Build a management team capable of delivering commercial growth and operational performance.Integrated logistics operations- Lead air and ocean forwarding, road freight, customs brokerage, warehousing, distribution and contract logistics.- Develop integrated customer solutions, including 3PL and 4PL offerings where appropriate.- Strengthen airline, shipping-line, agent, subcontractor and strategic partner relationships.- Balance owned assets and outsourced capacity to deliver competitive, profitable services.- Maintain effective safety, security, regulatory compliance and operational controls.Commercial growth and international expansion- Win strategic customers and expand existing accounts across multiple logistics products.- Build and execute market-entry plans across the Middle East, India, Africa, Southeast Asia and China.- Evaluate greenfield operations, joint ventures, partnerships and acquisitions.- Establish the people, licences, infrastructure, systems and customer base required for new operations.- Develop trade corridors and commercial opportunities across the wider group.Transformation and governance- Improve visibility through practical use of forwarding platforms, WMS, TMS and management reporting.- Establish reliable operating and financial KPIs across countries and products.- Lead integration and organisational change while maintaining customer service.- Present performance, investment proposals and strategic decisions to the Group CEO and relevant governance bodies.Required experience- Substantial senior leadership experience within freight forwarding and integrated logistics, including responsibility as a CEO, Managing Director, COO or comparable regional business leader.- Demonstrated personal ownership of a significant operating P&L and a workforce comparable to the mandate.- Direct accountability for both air and ocean forwarding, alongside contract logistics, warehousing or distribution.- Strong operating and commercial experience across the Middle East, India and Africa.- Demonstrable experience establishing or scaling businesses in Southeast Asia and/or China, with clarity on personal responsibility and results.- Evidence of profitable growth, business-building, turnaround or successful market entry.- Experience managing senior leaders across multiple locations and functions.- Strong customer-development, negotiation, carrier-procurement and financial-management capabilities.- Ability to work effectively within a group structure while taking direct responsibility for execution.Preferred experience- Leadership within an execution-focused regional or international 3PL/4PL organisation.- Experience combining freight forwarding with owned warehouses, transport fleets or other logistics assets.- Joint venture, acquisition and post-acquisition integration experience.- Port-linked logistics, free-zone operations and development of international trade corridors.- Exposure to GCC expansion markets, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq.