Duminda Pannila
Summary
Established logistics and air freight professional with nearly 40 years of experience in South Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Currently serving as General Manager for Gateway Operations, responsible for large-scale air freight tasks. Capable of managing complex air and ocean freight operations, customs clearance, and high-value client accounts for major companies including AWS, Loro Piana, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Mercedes, Apple, Nike, and Christian Dior. Experience managing operational teams and implementing digital projects including e-freight and virtual corridor customs operations. Proficient in logistics data analysis and statistical reporting for strategic decision-making and ongoing operational improvement. Recognized for strategic thinking, operational effectiveness, and effective client and stakeholder connections.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager – Gateway Operations, Air Freight
DSV – Global Transport and Logistics
06.2025 - Current
- Leading air freight gateway operations during DSV’s post-acquisition transition of Schenker.
Head of Air Freight Operations
Schenker LLC
06.2010 - 06.2025
- Directed UAE-wide hub operations, covering ULD recovery, cargo breakdown, delivery scheduling, customs clearance, thereby assuring seamless cargo flow and regulatory compliance.
- Managed major client accounts: AWS, Loro Piana, Kering and Apple, translating their operational standards into daily practice and maintaining long-term partnerships.
- Contributed to RFQ pricing analysis and tender development, supporting business growth.
- Implemented the E-Freight paperless documentation initiative (2012–2018).
- Steered the approval, design and launch of Virtual Corridor customs-transfer process in 2015, introducing data-driven clearance pathways that reduced ground-time delays.
- Established a robust analytics function that captured and interpreted statistics of shipment volumes, cargo weight, network reach and customer segmentation data.
- Oversaw infrastructure upgrades enhancing ULD handling efficiency.
- Mentored teams and cultivated a culture of continuous improvement.
Operations Manager – Air & Sea Freight
International Transport Services FZCO
02.2008 - 05.2010
- Managed GCC-wide air and sea freight operations, including customs compliance.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for timely and accurate cargo movement.
- Introduced process improvements to boost efficiency and client satisfaction.
Operations Manager
Bax Global
09.2001 - 11.2007
- Managed end-to-end freight operations and customs clearance across two countries.
- Served US retail clients including GAP, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
- Enhanced workflow and cargo visibility through operational improvements.
Operations Coordinator
Expolanka Freight Ltd.
12.2000 - 09.2001
- Handled import/export air freight documentation, customs processing, and airline liaison.
- Ensured seamless cargo coordination with freight forwarders and authorities.
Air Freight Executive
Kuehne + Nagel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
11.1994 - 10.2000
- Managed air freight operations in compliance with IATA standards.
- Coordinated international shipments with agents and local customs.
Operations Executive
Mack International Freight (Pvt) Ltd.
08.1992 - 09.1994
- Led air freight operations at Colombo Airport Cargo Village.
- Handled customs coordination and airline shipment processing.
- Served as an agent for Schenker during this period.
Junior Executive – Air Freight & Field Operations
Roton-Vander (Freighting) Ltd.
01.1987 - 06.1992
- Began logistics career in field operations and documentation.
- Gained foundational experience in freight and operations.
Education
G.C.E. Ordinary & Advanced Level -
D. S. Senanayake College
Colombo 709.1985
Skills
- Transportation management systems
- Freight cost estimation
- Team management
- Distribution management
- Logistics management
- Customs compliance
- Carrier negotiation
- Warehouse safety
- Warehouse operations
- Shipping documentation
- Key account management
- In land transportation
Certification
- IATA Cargo Course (Distinction) – Air Lanka, 1994-04
- Dangerous Goods Control Training (Distinction) – British Airways World Cargo, 1995-10
- IATA/ICAO Dangerous Goods Course (Distinction) – Air Lanka, 1996-04
- European Aviation Legislation Workshop – Dubai, UAE, 2010-06
Leadership & Extracurricular Achievements
- Captain – 1st XI Cricket Team, D. S. Senanayake College (1984–1985)
- Vice-Captain – Under-17 Cricket Team (1983)
- Member – Under-15 All-Island Champion Cricket Team (1981); awarded College Colours
- Selected to Sri Lanka Under-19 Cricket Pool (1984)
- Athletics: High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put
- Rugby: 1st and 2nd XV Teams (1984-1985)
Timeline
General Manager – Gateway Operations, Air Freight
DSV – Global Transport and Logistics
06.2025 - Current
Head of Air Freight Operations
Schenker LLC
06.2010 - 06.2025
Operations Manager – Air & Sea Freight
International Transport Services FZCO
02.2008 - 05.2010
Operations Manager
Bax Global
09.2001 - 11.2007
Operations Coordinator
Expolanka Freight Ltd.
12.2000 - 09.2001
Air Freight Executive
Kuehne + Nagel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
11.1994 - 10.2000
Operations Executive
Mack International Freight (Pvt) Ltd.
08.1992 - 09.1994
Junior Executive – Air Freight & Field Operations
Roton-Vander (Freighting) Ltd.
01.1987 - 06.1992
G.C.E. Ordinary & Advanced Level -
D. S. Senanayake College
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