Shashi Kiran Shetty looks at the future with optimism to ring in the company’s 25th anniversary celebration
The journey of Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman, Allcargo Logistics from a first-generation entrepreneur to a logistics business mogul straddles not only more than two decades but also two distinctively different economic eras – the pre-liberalised era which was highly controlled and the post-liberalised era which witnessed an influx of multinationals. Needless to say, the first 25 years of his illustrious journey is full of exciting milestones. However, far from settling down, Shetty is setting his sight on the right opportunities and capitalizing on them. The company has recently announced its foray into the Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLP) business.
In 1993, he set up his business. What followed later were the series of courageous decisions and bold steps by tying up with major NVOCC (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier) companies in Europe, Asia and USA. He expanded in India by opening up Container Freight Stations and started the Projects and Engineering Solutions division of Allcargo. His personal high point in his career was when Allcargo acquired Belgium based ECU-Line (rebranded ECU Worldwide in 2016), the company it represented as an agent in India. It was a feat in itself as no logistics major had ever done that. In recognition of his phenomenal contributions, Shetty was appointed the Commander of the Order of Leopold II by King Philippe of Belgium in 2015.
In 2016, he consolidated his global NVOCC operations, carried out under different names in some continents, under a new brand called ECU Worldwide. With his dedication and perseverance, he has eventually taken Allcargo to its peak and made his company the global leader in LCL consolidation. In addition, Allcargo became one of the first logistics companies in India to go public. Today, the company has a robust presence in 160+ countries.
Equally proud are his family members who have been his pillar of strength and undeterred support. His wife Arathi spearheads the group’s philanthropic initiatives. Much before CSR became a mandatory exercise, the couple has been actively providing education and medical support to the underprivileged, both in their personal capacity as well as under Avashya Foundation, the group’s CSR arm.
His son Vaishnav, who has recently joined the business, is leading some of the new verticals. His daughter Shloka is pursuing her undergraduate studies from the North Western University, USA.
At Davos this year in the World Economic Conference’s annual event, he closely saw the vestiges of disasters caused by climate change. A nationwide campaign called Allcargo Greens has been rolled out across all the offices of Allcargo to reduce carbon footprint and inspire others to adopt ways of cleaner and greener living.
Shetty invests a great deal of time in nurturing relationships. He lives by the values he has grown up believing during the years of his struggle. He has never deviated from his course mainly because his faith in spirituality has kept him grounded.
