Chitra Shinde, the Company Director and Head of Operations at DHL Express New Zealand, is a name synonymous with excellence in the logistics industry. With a remarkable 25-year journey at DHL, she has been a driving force behind the company’s growth and success. Soon to embark on her new role as Vice President Operations at DHL Express Singapore, Chitra’s dedication to service quality and sustainability sets her apart as a leader in her field. We at EliteX are proud to introduce Chitra Shinde as one of the 10 Elite Women in Business, 2024.
Hailing from the picturesque town along the banks of the Malaprabha river in Belgaum, India, Chitra’s journey in logistics began with a trainee position at DHL Express in Mumbai. Witnessing the industry’s rapid evolution fueled her passion for operations, leading her to navigate through various roles and countries. Over the years, Chitra’s professional journey has taken her across five different countries, including India, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. Her tenure at Gati-KWE as Chief Business Chain officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, and Board member further enriched her expertise before returning to DHL Express.
For Chitra, logistics isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling. She finds fulfillment in unraveling the complexities of supply chains and driving innovation within a collaborative team environment. Her relentless pursuit of excellence stems from a deep-seated passion for solving puzzles and simplifying the complex. Balancing a high-profile position with personal life requires adept prioritization and delegation skills. Chitra emphasizes the importance of making work complement life rather than overshadow it. Trusting her team and fostering open communication are integral to maintaining this equilibrium. As a woman in business, Chitra has encountered her share of challenges, from providing courageous feedback to mastering effective communication across diverse stakeholder groups. However, she embraces these challenges as opportunities for growth, leveraging feedback to enhance self-awareness and strengthen relationships built on trust.
“As she ventures into her new role, her influence on the logistics industry remains a beacon of inspiration.”
Chitra Shinde is a seasoned professional with a rich tapestry of experiences in the logistics industry. As the Company Director and Head of Operations at DHL Express New Zealand, she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing service quality, fostering sustainable infrastructure, and capitalizing on new growth opportunities. With an illustrious career spanning 25 years at DHL, she is set to take on the role of Vice President Operations at DHL Express Singapore, further solidifying her position as a leader in the field. Chitra’s journey in the industry commenced with her education at Karnatak University in Dharwad, India, where she developed a passion for logistics. Starting as a Trainee at DHL Express in Mumbai, she witnessed the evolution of the logistics landscape, fueling her interest in operations.
Her professional journey has been marked by mobility and adaptability, as she traversed through various countries, including India, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, she held key positions at Gati-KWE in India before returning to DHL Express, where she currently serves as Vice President Operations in New Zealand. Motivated by the complexity and rewards of logistics, Chitra has been a staunch advocate for innovation and teamwork. Her commitment to sustainability is evident through her personal journey towards Zero Waste, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the confines of her professional sphere. Maintaining a work-life balance in a high-profile position is no easy feat, but Chitra emphasizes the importance of clear prioritization and delegation. By aligning work with life and fostering trust within her team, she ensures that both personal and professional realms thrive harmoniously.
As a woman in business, Chitra has encountered challenges that she has met with bravery and determination. By investing in self-improvement, effective communication, and relationship-building, she has overcome obstacles and earned the trust of her colleagues and stakeholders. A pivotal moment in Chitra’s career was when she decided to take control of her trajectory, a decision that propelled her towards success. Her leadership style, influenced by servant leadership principles, emphasizes the importance of making decisions that positively impact lives.
“Chitra’s journey epitomizes resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
To aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders, Chitra offers sage advice: prioritize teamwork, hire the best talent, and embrace tough decisions. By fostering diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning, she believes that women can chart their paths to success in the dynamic world of business. When it comes to decision-making in the face of rapid change, Chitra Shinde relies on a combination of data analysis and input from diverse perspectives. She understands the importance of making informed decisions swiftly, considering the impact on stakeholders and bottom-line results. Consulting with impacted parties concurrently ensures thoroughness and buy-in, crucial in navigating ambiguous problem statements.
Currently, Chitra is looking forward to her impending move to Singapore, viewing it as an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. She embraces new challenges eagerly, seeing them as avenues for development both for herself and those around her. Fostering a positive and empowering work culture is paramount to Chitra, and at DHL Group, she leads by example. Values-driven leadership, clear priorities, and investment in individual development contribute to a culture of trust, resilience, and optimism.
Reflecting on setbacks in her career, Chitra emphasizes the importance of resilience and quick adaptation. She views challenges as opportunities for growth, swiftly moving through the stages of processing and embracing change. As she looks ahead, Chitra sees increasing opportunities for women in business, driven by a rising presence of women in senior management roles and concerted efforts by companies like DHL Group to foster diversity and inclusion. Sharing experiences and mentoring younger generations are crucial steps in ensuring continued progress and opportunities for all.
Chitra Shinde’s journey epitomizes resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As she ventures into her new role, her influence on the logistics industry remains a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for aspiring leaders. With her leadership and determination, Chitra continues to shape a future where success knows no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on those who follow in her footsteps.
“For Chitra, logistics isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling.”