Ajay Nair : Building A Global Maritime Enterprise Through Trust & Technology
Ajay Nair
Managing Director
Over the course of his professional journey, Ajay Nair has worked across multiple verticals of the shipping industry, gaining hands-on exposure to chartering, ship broking, ISO tank operations, container logistics, and b> vehicle transportation. Rather than being confined to a single functional role, he embraced diverse profiles and departments, enabling him to develop a well-rounded perspective on how shipping businesses operate end to end. This multi-sector experience has become a defining strength of his leadership.
Ajay’s career spans associations with several renowned shipping and logistics organizations, with professional stints across major maritime hubs such as Mumbai, Kandla, and Mundra. Building on this strong foundation, he has gone on to establish and oversee operations with a truly global footprint. Today, under his leadership, Winasia Maritime has set up operations in Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, alongside a robust pan-India presence.
What approaches have you implemented to establish a standard for excellence, sustain ability, and customer service?
Our philosophy is very simple: the customer comes first. In fact, for us, the customer is everything. What truly matters to us is the personal satisfaction we are able to deliver to our customers. We strongly believe in a people-first approach, both internally and externally. We focus on skill development and actively encourage our young professionals to grow, take ownership, and give their best to the organization.
When it comes to customers, we don’t treat them as transactions. We focus on customer intimacy and personalized service. Every customer has unique needs, and we make sure those needs are understood and addressed personally. Our sales teams work closely with customers, and we
are always accessible. We take calls, discuss challenges directly, and stay personally involved until every issue is resolved. That personal touch defines who we are.
Describe your leadership style. What guidelines or methodologies do you follow as a leader?
When it comes to leadership, I strongly believe in empowering people, especially those in key positions. I encourage them to take their own decisions and work to their full capacity, and inculcate a sense of responsibility. For me, fixing clear responsibility and accountability at every level of the organization is extremely important.
I also promote open dialogue. Instead of long email chains or fragmented communi -cation, I prefer face-to-face discussions where issues can be addressed clearly and resolved quickly. Open conversations build trust and help teams align better.
I also promote open dialogue. Instead of long email chains or fragmented communi -cation, I prefer face-to-face discussions where issues can be addressed clearly and resolved quickly. Open conversations build trust and help teams align better.
Integrity is another core value I focus on. I continuously emphasize that whatever we do, it must be done with complete honesty and ethical intent. As a leader, I try to set this example myself. At the same time, I ensure everyone gets a platform to showcase their skills, experience, and best efforts. This helps us assess their growth, contribution, and long-term sustainability within the organization.
How do you stay up to date on ongoing industry trends to guide your organization into the future?
I make it a point to attend as many important summits and conferences in the shipping industry as possible, both in India and internationally. These events, including those organized by leading shipping magazines, ports, and IMO-related bodies, are extremely valuable from an information and networking perspective. They help us stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and evolving government policies. Such forums also provide opportunities to interact with industry peers and exchange insights.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Our vision is to expand Winasia Maritime further on an international scale while strengthening our digital capabilities. I strongly believe that the future lies in digitization and AI-driven operations. We
Describe your leadership style. What guidelines or methodologies do you follow as a leader?
When it comes to leadership, I strongly believe in empowering people, especially those in key positions. I encourage them to take their own decisions and work to their full capacity, and inculcate a sense of responsibility. For me, fixing clear responsibility and accountability at every level of the organization is extremely important.
I also promote open dialogue. Instead of long email chains or fragmented communi -cation, I prefer face-to-face discussions where issues can be addressed clearly and resolved quickly. Open conversations build trust and help teams align better.
I also promote open dialogue. Instead of long email chains or fragmented communi -cation, I prefer face-to-face discussions where issues can be addressed clearly and resolved quickly. Open conversations build trust and help teams align better.
Integrity is another core value I focus on. I continuously emphasize that whatever we do, it must be done with complete honesty and ethical intent. As a leader, I try to set this example myself. At the same time, I ensure everyone gets a platform to showcase their skills, experience, and best efforts. This helps us assess their growth, contribution, and long-term sustainability within the organization.
How do you stay up to date on ongoing industry trends to guide your organization into the future?
I make it a point to attend as many important summits and conferences in the shipping industry as possible, both in India and internationally. These events, including those organized by leading shipping magazines, ports, and IMO-related bodies, are extremely valuable from an information and networking perspective. They help us stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and evolving government policies. Such forums also provide opportunities to interact with industry peers and exchange insights.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Our vision is to expand Winasia Maritime further on an international scale while strengthening our digital capabilities. I strongly believe that the future lies in digitization and AI-driven operations. We
want to invest more in technology and IT talent so that our working processes become more efficient, data driven, and less dependent on manual intervention.
Alongside this digital trans -formation, international expansion remains a key focus. While we already have a strong pan-India presence, we are gradually expanding into the Middle East Europe, and Southeast Asia. This balanced approach of global growth and technology-led operations will define the next phase of our growth.
Based on your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?
My advice to youngsters entering the shipping industry is to be genuine, honest, and deeply curious about the profession. Growth in shipping is only possible if you are truly interested in the subject. You must stay eager to learn, take calculated risks, and continuously explore new aspects of the industry. Curiosity and learning is what helps one build longterm expertise.
Secondly, this business runs largely on relationships. Whether it is with customers, port operators, principals, or partners, strong relationships are the foundation of success. Focus on building trust and maintaining long-term connections. Ethics are equally important to avoid shortcuts or the temptation of quick money. Sustainable growth comes only through honest practices. Finally, no organization grows without a strong team. Invest in people, build an energetic and capable team, and empower them. This is how you create lasting growth and build a successful organization.
Ajay Nair, Managing Director, Winasia Maritime
Ajay Nair is the Managing Director of Winasia Maritime Pvt. Ltd. and a seasoned leader in the global shipping and logistics industry. With decades of experience across chartering, shipbroking, containers, and tank operations, he brings a holistic, customer-first approach to maritime services.
•Hobbies: Travel, Reading, Playing Table Tennis
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian Cuisine
•Favorite Book: Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
•Favorite Travel Destination: Kottayam, Kerala
•Awards & Recognition: Doctorate in Logistics Management from Common wealth Vocational University; Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London Best Logistics Entrepreneur by EXIM in 2021–22
Alongside this digital trans -formation, international expansion remains a key focus. While we already have a strong pan-India presence, we are gradually expanding into the Middle East Europe, and Southeast Asia. This balanced approach of global growth and technology-led operations will define the next phase of our growth.
Based on your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?
My advice to youngsters entering the shipping industry is to be genuine, honest, and deeply curious about the profession. Growth in shipping is only possible if you are truly interested in the subject. You must stay eager to learn, take calculated risks, and continuously explore new aspects of the industry. Curiosity and learning is what helps one build longterm expertise.
Secondly, this business runs largely on relationships. Whether it is with customers, port operators, principals, or partners, strong relationships are the foundation of success. Focus on building trust and maintaining long-term connections. Ethics are equally important to avoid shortcuts or the temptation of quick money. Sustainable growth comes only through honest practices. Finally, no organization grows without a strong team. Invest in people, build an energetic and capable team, and empower them. This is how you create lasting growth and build a successful organization.
Ajay Nair, Managing Director, Winasia Maritime
Ajay Nair is the Managing Director of Winasia Maritime Pvt. Ltd. and a seasoned leader in the global shipping and logistics industry. With decades of experience across chartering, shipbroking, containers, and tank operations, he brings a holistic, customer-first approach to maritime services.
•Hobbies: Travel, Reading, Playing Table Tennis
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian Cuisine
•Favorite Book: Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
•Favorite Travel Destination: Kottayam, Kerala
•Awards & Recognition: Doctorate in Logistics Management from Common wealth Vocational University; Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London Best Logistics Entrepreneur by EXIM in 2021–22