ASANKA BANDARA WIJEKOON
Riyadh
Summary
I am over two decades all rounding trade experienced skilled person in shipping and logistics industry with Result Oriented, Resourceful, Self-disciplined and collaborative qualities who is eager to accept exciting opportunities, challenges to use mu capabilities, skills, experiences and confidence to develop and reach the business goals.
Overview
1
1
Language
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Freight Forwarding Div. (OMNILOG)
TRUKKER GROUP OF COMPANY LTD
Riyadh
11.2024 - Current
- Head of Product, Pricing, Operations, and Commercial and managing fifteen team members.
- Directing and leading the country's product development, pricing strategy, operations excellence, leading commercial strategies, and brand promotions in KSA.
- Product Brand is new to the market that has successfully established the team in every department and started initial operations in the freight forwarding business.
- Pricing structure developed for higher conversions supporting with JC Trans and WCA agency networks finalizing agreements and required local and international vendor establishments.
- Initiated collaboration with local operational support vendor parties and made agreements for smooth operational procedures.
- With the help of IT and the centralized marketing team, successfully developed promotional strategies for brand awareness with in the KSA.
- Hiring the best and most capable headcounts for the commercial team was able to reach the breakeven point and expected commercial goals in 3-4 respective quarters.
- As a leader for country commercial and strategic planning and decision-making for the logistics division responsible for country P&L and budget preparations.
- Experiencing the challenges as the newly established logistics organization moving forward for the dedicated goals and achievements.
Country Pricing and Product Manager for KSA
NAQEL LOGISTICS
Riyadh, Central Province
10.2021 - 10.2024
- Successfully led pricing and operations team with twelve team members by holding the country-wise product development responsibilities.
- Guided and directed to the pricing team by ensuring in increase the productivity reaching higher conversions ratio and fastest response time.
- Implemented required strategies for the best operational excellences.
- Supported and collaborated with commercial team onboarded new businesses opportunities and larger government contracts by maintaining a solid inter-department relationship conducting market analysis, and sharing knowledge with the commercial, pricing, and trade lane development teams.
- Managed and maintained higher margins and revenue providing guidance to the commercial team, focusing country budget and KPI-driven goals. Also successfully managed and developed the relationship between Naqel and international agency networks, based in key geographical areas, USA, EU, ME, FE, and SubCon.
Head of VIP booking department KSA- Customer Service
CMA CGM SAUDI ARABIA Co Ltd
Dammam
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Led VIP booking department operations, managing high-profile client interactions and excellent service delivery.
- Maximized vessel capacity utilization, overseeing export booking flow representing 75% of KSA volume.
- Implemented and monitored processes to resolve customer service issues effectively.
- Developed tailored routing solutions for VIP clients, ensuring exceptional service standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance booking processes and improve customer experience.
- Trained staff in VIP service best practices, promoting a culture of excellence.
- Resolved complex client issues through strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Established partnerships with luxury service providers to enrich client experiences.
Tender Accounts Manager/ Sales and Marketing
APL-Arabian Pioneer Lines Shipping Services Co
Dammam and Riyadh
01.2017 - 01.2020
- During my tenner in 9 years with APL, I Was responsible for handling Eastern and Central region based in/Out bound diversified customer segments. (Petrochemicals, Over Gauge cargo owners, Perishables/Reefers, and also world ranked Global logistics companies and Project cargo.)
Key Accounts Manager/ Sales and Marketing
APL-Arabian Pioneer Lines Shipping Services Co
Dammam, Eastern Region
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Maintained communication with regional trade lane and pricing teams to provided competitive rates for new business developments.
- Daily client visits and developed relationships with existing clients to enhance commercial revenue and attract new customers.
- Researched potential clients and prepared for appointments through insight into customer behavior.
- Expanded Eastern and Central province inbound business by onboarding new FOB and CIF clients through relationships.
- Oversaw tender submissions and negotiations, ensuring adherence to client specifications and deadlines.
- Finalized significant annual contracts with major petrochemical clients, Based in Eastern region including SABIC, TASNEE, SADARA, ARAMCO GPDC, SIPCHEM
Team Lead - AIR/SEA Cargo -Sales and Operations
Al Tavyar Cargo Services
Dammam
01.2010 - 05.2011
- Led Air Sea Land Sales and Operations ensuring seamless executions of logistics process (Commercial and Personal Cargo)
- Developed and implemented strategic sales initiatives to enhance Customer engagement and drive revenue growth.
- Led a team of 10+ members, driving project completion within strict deadlines and quality standards.
- Monitored team performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Monitored operations to ensure employees followed relevant procedures and worked towards defined Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets.
- Monitored staff performance and developed improvement plans.
- Commercial cargo, personal cargo, and project cargo.
- AL Tavyar Holding GSA for multiple airliners for cargo handling, and I oversaw commercial and personal movements. Including cargo sales, packing, labelling, documentation, and monitoring/tracking shipments to ensure timely processing and delivery to the final location.
- In the SEA cargo division, we were able to build relationships with carriers offer competitive deals and provide the best freight solutions for the Eastern region's client base.
Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager
Sharmans Logistics
Colombo
05.2009 - 12.2009
- Established strong relationships with clients, ensuring alignment with company objectives and delivered reliable solutions in logistics and supply chain management.
- Adapted quickly to new industry standards across sea, air, land, and customs clearance operations.
- Maintained adherence to company directions during initial entry into logistics sector.
Sales & Marketing Executive
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd
Dammam, Eastern Province
03.2009 - 06.2009
- Inter-department transfer within the Algosaibi Group and appointed to handle containers, Ro-Ro, bulk, and tanker sales.
- I was involved in regional sales, pricing, and operations for a short period in preparation for my next career path.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive sales strategies to enhance market presence and drive revenue growth.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key clients, facilitating effective communication and addressing their needs promptly.
- Delivered professional presentations and used optimum sales techniques to consistently meet sales quotas.
Sales & Marketing Executive
CMA CGM Shipping Line
Dammam, Eastern Province
05.2007 - 02.2009
- Initiated understanding of Saudi market segments and client dynamics through professional experience in KSA.
- Enhanced trade negotiation skills and pricing strategies with France and UAE regional offices to align with company parameters.
- Engaged in aggressive sales initiatives to go onboard new projects and key clients.
- Conducted regular sales visits, CRM updates, and prospecting activities to identify new business opportunities.
- Developed and executed comprehensive sales strategies to strengthen market presence.
- Focused on onboarding new volumes to address customer demands and requirements effectively.
- Maintained progress in mapping potential clients to achieve company goals and sales KPIs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Sales & Marketing Executive
Hanjin shipping Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
Colombo
08.2005 - 05.2007
- Initiated Shipping Liner Sales role, enhancing career development and trade expertise. Managed sales with diverse import/export client base, fostering strong relationships.
- Developed new market opportunities to expand market share effectively.
- Conducted regular negotiations with Singapore and Korea for regional pricing strategies.
- Maintained comprehensive CRM records to optimize customer mapping and interactions.
- Finalized sales budgets, aligning financial goals with operational efficiency.
- Facilitated productive client meetings to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Collaborated interdepartmentally, reporting progress directly to commercial country director.
Operations Executive / CFS Container Terminal
Mercantile Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd
Colombo
11.2001 - 07.2005
- Delivered high level of service to customers in effort to build upon future relationships.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline terminal operations and improve overall service delivery.
- Trained and mentored junior staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the team.
- Liaised with shipping lines and customers to resolve issues and facilitate smooth loading and unloading processes.
- Oversaw compliance with safety regulations and best practices to maintain operational integrity within the terminal.
- Coordinated daily operational activities at the container terminal to optimize workflow and efficiency.
- Reported container movement data for inbound and outbound logistics.
- Prepared monthly statements and processed invoices for containers.
- Collected payments for temporary unit rentals.
- Estimated costs for container repairs.
- Supervised labor staff to ensure efficient workflow.
- Conducted container modifications and initiated value-added services.
Proprietor
AKOON CONTAINERS
Colombo
01.2001 - 11.2001
- Delivered comprehensive trucking and transportation solutions to optimize logistics operations.
- Executed container modifications for diverse project requirements, enhancing functionality.
- Facilitated buying and selling of shipping containers to maintain inventory flow.
- Supplied equipment and managed long-term leasing arrangements to meet client needs.
- Provided container storage facilities and warehousing services.
Education
Grade B - Spoken English
British Council
Colombo, Sri Lanka01-2005
Bachelor of Business Management -
University, Sri Lanka
01-2005
GCE Advanced Levels - Mathematics
DHARMARAJA COLLEGE
Kandy, Sri Lanka01-2000
Highest Level English Language course -
Colombo Law Institute
Colombo, Sri Lanka01-1999
Diploma - Floriculture/Landscaping
Royal Botanical Gardens
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka01-1999
GCE Ordinary Levels -
DHARMARAJA COLLEGE
Kandy, Sri Lanka01-1994
GCE Advanced Levels - Mathematics Subjects
DHARMARAJA COLLEGE
Kandy, Sri LankaSkills
- Commercial
- Sales and Marketing
- Pricing
- Operations
- Customer service
- Leadership
- Sea freight
- Air Freight
- Land Transportation
- Cross-trade business
- Cross-border Transport
- Transport
- Project Cargo
- Air Charter
- CFS operations
- Warehouse operations
- Packaging
- Customer Service
- Sea Freight
- Cross Trade biz
- Cross Boarder Transport
- Transportation
- WH operations
EDUCATION
Spoken English - Grade B, 2005 Open
OTHERS
- Passport No: N8947932 (Valid till 2031)
- Iqama: 2307358115 (Valid till July 2026)
Timeline
Head of Freight Forwarding Div. (OMNILOG)
TRUKKER GROUP OF COMPANY LTD
11.2024 - Current
Country Pricing and Product Manager for KSA
NAQEL LOGISTICS
10.2021 - 10.2024
Head of VIP booking department KSA- Customer Service
CMA CGM SAUDI ARABIA Co Ltd
11.2020 - 09.2021
Tender Accounts Manager/ Sales and Marketing
APL-Arabian Pioneer Lines Shipping Services Co
01.2017 - 01.2020
Key Accounts Manager/ Sales and Marketing
APL-Arabian Pioneer Lines Shipping Services Co
01.2011 - 01.2017
Team Lead - AIR/SEA Cargo -Sales and Operations
Al Tavyar Cargo Services
01.2010 - 05.2011
Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager
Sharmans Logistics
05.2009 - 12.2009
Sales & Marketing Executive
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd
03.2009 - 06.2009
Sales & Marketing Executive
CMA CGM Shipping Line
05.2007 - 02.2009
Sales & Marketing Executive
Hanjin shipping Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
08.2005 - 05.2007
Operations Executive / CFS Container Terminal
Mercantile Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd
11.2001 - 07.2005
Proprietor
AKOON CONTAINERS
01.2001 - 11.2001
Grade B - Spoken English
British Council
Bachelor of Business Management -
University, Sri Lanka
GCE Advanced Levels - Mathematics
DHARMARAJA COLLEGE
Highest Level English Language course -
Colombo Law Institute
Diploma - Floriculture/Landscaping
Royal Botanical Gardens
GCE Ordinary Levels -
DHARMARAJA COLLEGE
GCE Advanced Levels - Mathematics Subjects
DHARMARAJA COLLEGE