The logistics industry is a dynamic and complex ecosystem, driven by constant innovation and the need for adaptability. As Country Head of C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka, Minhaj Mahmood has proven that effective leadership can transform challenges into opportunities. By combining strategic thinking, technological adoption, and a commitment to excellence, Minhaj has played a pivotal role in strengthening C.H. Robinson’s footprint in Sri Lanka while aligning with the global organization’s vision.
Under Minhaj’s leadership, C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka has navigated some of the most significant challenges in recent history, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chains worldwide were under immense pressure, but Minhaj and his team turned adversity into a proving ground for resilience. One of their boldest moves was the implementation of Navisphere®, C.H. Robinson’s flagship logistics platform. While Navisphere® is a cornerstone of the global organization’s operations, he ensured its capabilities were tailored to meet Sri Lanka’s specific market needs.
With real-time visibility, data-driven decision-making tools, and enhanced collaboration features, Navisphere® empowered Sri Lankan businesses to maintain operational efficiency during the pandemic’s peak. Minhaj recalls, “The pandemic was a test of adaptability. By leveraging Navisphere® and other technological tools, we didn’t just keep the supply chain moving—we strengthened it for the future.”
Beyond technology, Minhaj led a comprehensive restructuring of local operations to align with C.H. Robinson’s lean and agile global model. This transformation involved reevaluating workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and building a culture of collaboration and accountability. “Efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about doing more with less and ensuring every process adds value to our clients,” he explains.
This operational shift not only bolstered C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka’s capacity to serve complex client needs but also positioned it as a regional leader in supply chain management. By fostering a culture that encourages continuous improvement, Minhaj has laid the groundwork for sustainable growth.
Minhaj’s leadership philosophy reflects a blend of global best practices and a localized approach. Drawing from his extensive experience in multinational companies, he champions a leadership style that prioritizes innovation and employee empowerment. “Good ideas come from everywhere,” Minhaj asserts. “As leaders, our job is to create an environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is given its due consideration.”
This philosophy is evident in C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka’s focus on fostering collaboration across teams and encouraging calculated risk-taking. Minhaj believes that empowering employees to think creatively and take ownership of their roles has been a key driver of the branch’s success.
C.H. Robinson’s commitment to technological innovation is a significant part of its global strategy, and Minhaj has ensured that Sri Lanka benefits from these advancements. From AI-enabled dashboards to multimodal transport solutions, the integration of cutting-edge tools has revolutionized how the Sri Lankan branch operates. These technologies have allowed clients to save time, reduce costs, and adapt swiftly to market fluctuations.
He also emphasizes the importance of using data analytics for decision-making. Tools like Power BI provide real-time insights into performance metrics, enabling the team to anticipate challenges and respond proactively. “In logistics, being reactive isn’t enough—you have to be ahead of the curve,” he notes.
Minhaj views disruptions as opportunities to strengthen systems and build resilience. Whether it’s mitigating port delays, managing sudden demand spikes, or navigating economic uncertainties, C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka has developed robust contingency plans under his leadership. Minhaj credits this preparedness to a proactive approach that prioritizes risk management and scenario planning. “Our supply chain is interconnected, like a domino effect. If one piece falters, the impact can cascade through the entire system. That’s why we emphasize the importance of redundancy, real-time monitoring, and agility,” he explains.
In addition to driving business growth, he is deeply committed to creating a positive impact within Sri Lanka. Inspired by C.H. Robinson’s global sustainability initiatives, the Sri Lankan branch has implemented practices aimed at reducing environmental footprints and supporting local communities. Minhaj believes that building smarter, faster, and greener supply chains is not just a business goal but a moral responsibility. The branch has also engaged in community outreach programs, partnering with local organizations to support education, healthcare, and disaster relief efforts. These initiatives reflect C.H. Robinson’s values while reinforcing the Sri Lankan office’s role as a socially responsible corporate citizen.
While C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka operates within a specific regional context, Minhaj ensures that its strategies align with the broader goals of the global organization. As part of a network spanning 37 countries and managing over 35 million shipments annually, the Sri Lankan branch plays a critical role in contributing to the company’s overall success. His ability to bridge local needs with global resources has been instrumental in achieving this alignment.
“C.H. Robinson’s global strength lies in its ability to adapt to local markets while maintaining a unified vision. Our Sri Lankan operations are a testament to that balance,” he remarks.
Looking ahead, Minhaj is focused on further strengthening C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka’s position as a logistics leader. By continuing to invest in technology, foster innovation, and build strong relationships with clients and partners, he aims to create a supply chain ecosystem that is not only efficient but also sustainable and resilient. “Our goal is simple: to make supply chains smarter, faster, and more sustainable. This is how we create value for our clients and stay ahead in a competitive industry,” he concludes.
C.H. Robinson delivers logistics like no one else™. Companies around the world look to us to reimagine supply chains, advance freight technology and solve logistics challenges—from the simple to the most complex. Over 90,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers in our network trust us to manage 35 million shipments and $22 billion in freight annually. Through our unmatched expertise, unrivaled scale and tailored solutions, we ensure the seamless delivery of goods across industries and continents via truckload, less-than-truckload, ocean, air and beyond. As a responsible global citizen, we make supply chains more sustainable and proudly contribute millions to the causes that matter most to our employees. For more information www.chrobinson.com. (Nasdaq: CHRW)
Our Business
• One of the world’s largest logistics platforms
• $22B freight under management, 35M shipments annually
• Over 90K customers and over 450k contract carriers
• Move more truckload freight than anyone in North America
• Manage more less-than-truckload shipments than any 3PL in North America
• Consistently rank among the top three forwarders of ocean freight in trade lanes including China to the U.S. India to the U.S. and the U.S. to Australia
• Handle more than 1.4 million customs transactions a year
• Global team spanning 300+ offices in 37 countries
• Presence on nearly every continent with owned offices in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania
• $17.6 billion in 2023 total revenues
• Publicly owned and traded on NASDAQ (Symbol: CHRW)