Avishek Kumar
Auckland,AUK
Summary
Results-oriented General Manager with 15 years in freight and logistics, specializing in team collaboration and inclusive culture. Expertise in data-driven decision-making has enhanced growth and satisfaction for employees and customers. Led diverse teams through complex operations and multiple product lines, driving operational efficiencies and strategic initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Sales & Marketing - NZ and Fiji
DHL Global Forwarding NZ
Auckland Airport, Auckland
01.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing plans to increase brand awareness and reach target markets.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement marketing strategies.
- Coordinated sales initiatives that increased customer engagement and retention.
- Nurtured key client relationships to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed sales representatives to achieve team goals and objectives.
- Developed competitive pricing structures that maximized profitability.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities for service offerings.
- Conducted market research, analyzed customer feedback, and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborated with executive team to shape long-term business strategies and objectives.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw talent acquisition and development programs to build high-performing teams.
- Fostered partnerships with stakeholders to align company goals with market trends.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing complex projects and operational improvements.
New Zealand Station Manager
CEVA Logistics
Auckland Airport
03.2019 - 09.2023
- Managed NZ Branches ( AKL, WLG, CHC) with responsibility of 40+ staff members and +USD 35M P&L
- Turned business from deficit to USD+2M profit in 2021 through strategic business growth and cost control initiatives.
- Managed key customers and empowered sales team to achieve topline growth of over 250% from 2019-2021
- Led employee satisfaction to best in class numbers regionally: 96%
- Achieved an attrition rate of less than 2% over the last 3 years
- Developed solutions in response to customer marketplace trends, including air charter services during COVID and container devanning and delivery services.
- Led our Digitization Journey - Paperless operations & paperless record keeping
- Currently leading our Digitization Journey- Hiring data architects to create Power BI reporting to streamline and automate customer DIFOT and spend reports, creating customized reporting for customers, automating system process through robot learning and AI.
- Optimized operational efficiency by spearheading resource allocation and strategic planning initiatives.
- Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction and achieve higher performance levels.
- Devised promotional strategies that increased customer numbers and enhanced market penetration, engagement, and growth.
- Analyzed and tracked business metrics to adjust inventory levels.
- Made large-scale financial decisions and supervised company spending to reduce material losses and maximize profits.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
- Implemented strong hiring and training techniques to promote team cohesiveness and streamline overall workflow.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
National Operations Manager
CEVA Logistics
Auckland Airport
09.2017 - 03.2019
- Oversaw all Air and Ocean Operations at the AKL, WLG, and CHC sites.
- Enhanced regional branch performance by implementing management processes that improved revenue outcomes.
- Managed and strengthened business relationships with existing accounts, developing strategies that contributed to sales and revenue growth.
- Implemented process improvements that shaped organizational culture, optimized procedures, and supported company evolution and growth.
- Collaborated with business development managers to develop mutual performance objectives, financial targets, and critical milestones in partner planning process.
- Operated within budgetary constraints, participated in development of annual budget forecasts and reconciled operating budget.
- Negotiated contracts for more advantageous terms, reducing budgetary expenditures.
Various
DHL Global Forwarding
Auckland Airport
11.2010 - 09.2017
- Led the SAP rollout as the National Operations Super User and trained teams across Fiji, Australia, China, Canada, Egypt, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, and the USA.
- Transitioned to Export Manager overseeing Air and Ocean Export functions, responsible for full P&L and managing 18 staff.
- Completed Graduate program with 2 years rotating through departments, gaining comprehensive knowledge in freight and logistics.
- Facilitated unloading of cargo from ULDs, ensuring seamless operational flow in the warehouse.
Education
Bachelor of Business - Accounting And Management
Auckland University of Technology
AucklandDiploma in Shipping and Freight -
Manukau Institute of Technology
AucklandIATA Diploma in Cargo Care -
Manukau Institute of Technology
AucklandSkills
- Sales Driven
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Data analysis
- Proven Track Record
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Agile and Flexible
- Problem Solver
- Creative thinking
- Communication
Hobbies and Interests
- Beginner Cook - Currently trying to master Mums Butter Chicken
- NRL - Avid Warrior's Supporter (still keeping the faith)
- Football- Die Hard Gunner
- Traveler - Top 3 Bucket List Destinations - Santorini, Maldives & Marrakesh.
- Podcasts - Mindset Mentor, On Purpose - Jay Shetty & DOAC
- Enthusiastic Stock Market Trader
- Current Research- AI and Machine Learning
Timeline
Head of Sales & Marketing - NZ and Fiji
DHL Global Forwarding NZ
01.2024 - Current
New Zealand Station Manager
CEVA Logistics
03.2019 - 09.2023
National Operations Manager
CEVA Logistics
09.2017 - 03.2019
Various
DHL Global Forwarding
11.2010 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Business - Accounting And Management
Auckland University of Technology
Diploma in Shipping and Freight -
Manukau Institute of Technology
IATA Diploma in Cargo Care -
Manukau Institute of Technology