How long have you been working at BMS United?
I am working at BMS United for 17 years.
Refer to an event you consider a milestone for your career/development in BMS United.
Between 2007 and 2008 I led a project in Middle East to approach clients in a market completely new for us, namely Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. The task involved the expansion and development of our activities in an area that was dominated mostly by local offices and niche market players. An unforgettable journey of exploring all kinds of business opportunities, from credit assessments to future partnerships, that project run successfully and bound us with solid and fruitful co-operations which we still entertain after so many years.
What was your biggest challenge on the job and how did you overcome it?
In 2009 I initiated and participated in a team aiming to introduce our services to one of the biggest shipping charterers in our industry, Cargill International SA. With an average fleet of 650 vessels this task was meant to be a career changer for years to come as I had to completely modify my way of approaching and trading worldwide. Moving from a far more aggressive way of working to a rather more focused and tailor-made one, building strategies and creating alliances globally that new opportunity was and still is a unique experience a trader can carry. Our target was to build a safe and competitive environment with reliable partners as through that procedure clients’ intention was to move into more direct cooperation with the physical sources. I was assigned to lead this project and due to its high standards and huge volumes (daily and monthly) my 100% focus and 24/7 availability were mandatory. The original project was somewhat concluded within 3 years when we overcame rather few obstacles and internal policies, however due to its success we still maintain a good share of their bunkering business. Overcoming this challenge required passion and devotion to one’s job and apart from my efforts the support from the management was exemplary.
What’s the most exciting thing about working at BMS United?
All of us and the success stories we create day by day. Working as a team or individually the stake is always high. As one of the “old folks” around, watching our company grow and achieve its goals gives me enthusiasm and a proud feeling. On the contrary, this feeling never gets old!
