Sunil Chandrasekhar : Transforming Logistics With Vision & Expertise
Sunil Chandrasekhar
Chief Commercial Officer
In dynamic industries such as logistics and aviation, this role becomes even more significant, requiring a deep understanding of market behavior, operational efficiency, customer needs, and long-term value creation.
Sunil Chandrasekhar, Chief Commercial Officer at Afcom Holdings exemplifies this leadership ethos. With over 37 years of experience across logistics and aviation, he has built a career defined by strategic foresight, hands-on execution, and a passion for developing people. His professional journey can be broadly divided into two phases: a formative decade in domestic airlines, followed by a long and impactful tenure in logistics.
Between 1988 and 1997, Sunil honed his operational and managerial skills across various execution roles within domestic aviation. In 2004, he joined AFl, which transitioned to FedEx, marking the beginning of a distinguished leadership trajectory.
A pivotal milestone came in 2004 when he was appointed Head of Sales for North India at FedEx, formally stepping into senior leadership. Over the years, he led diverse portfolios including Head of Operations for East India (2007) and South India (2008), eventually taking on the role of Acting Managing Director of Operations, where he oversaw nationwide operations.
Today, as the CCO of Afcom Holdings, Sunil leads a newly established freighter airline headquartered in Chennai and operating across Southeast Asia. His strengths lie in blending operational excellence with strategic vision, nurturing teams, and driving sustainable business growth.
Known for his empathetic approach, clarity in com-munication, and commitment to mentorship, he continues to influence the logistics and aviation sectors while shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
As the CCO, what methods have you implemented to drive sustainable revenue growth?
In a young company like Afcom Holdings, my focus has been on understanding our core capabilities and identifying areas where we can deliver the most value.
Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy, we actively partner with customers and other airlines to create synergies that benefit the broader ecosystem.
Unlike my tenure at FedEx, where the focus was on managing and strengthening a global, established organization, Afcom allows me to build systems, craft strategies, and shape the commercial structure from the ground up. That entrepreneurial element is both challenging and immensely rewarding.
What strategies have you adopted to deliver personalized services at a highly competitive price to enhance customer satis-faction?
My approach revolves around what I call a triangle strategy. First, I anchor our efforts in Afcom’s unique strengths. Second, I align our offerings closely with what the market requires and what customers truly value. Third, I analyze the competition, not to outdo them, but to differentiate ourselves while fostering cooperative industry relationships.
I meet customers personally to understand their real challenges. This helps us design customized solutions, whether in products, schedules, or pricing, that build long-term partnerships and reinforce trust in our brand.
Describe your leadership style. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership philosophy is grounded in clarity, communication, empathy, and mentorship. Clear goals and expectations are essential, and I believe strongly in maintaining open, two-way communication. My door is always open for ideas, feed back, and conversations.
Empathy plays a central role in how I lead. I respect the diversity within my team and prioritize both their professional development and personal well-being. I actively coach and mentor younger colleagues, encouraging continuous learning
In a young company like Afcom Holdings, my focus has been on understanding our core capabilities and identifying areas where we can deliver the most value.
My goal is to cultivate a team that enjoys its work, collaborates seamlessly, and celebrates collective achievements
Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy, we actively partner with customers and other airlines to create synergies that benefit the broader ecosystem.
Unlike my tenure at FedEx, where the focus was on managing and strengthening a global, established organization, Afcom allows me to build systems, craft strategies, and shape the commercial structure from the ground up. That entrepreneurial element is both challenging and immensely rewarding.
What strategies have you adopted to deliver personalized services at a highly competitive price to enhance customer satis-faction?
My approach revolves around what I call a triangle strategy. First, I anchor our efforts in Afcom’s unique strengths. Second, I align our offerings closely with what the market requires and what customers truly value. Third, I analyze the competition, not to outdo them, but to differentiate ourselves while fostering cooperative industry relationships.
I meet customers personally to understand their real challenges. This helps us design customized solutions, whether in products, schedules, or pricing, that build long-term partnerships and reinforce trust in our brand.
Describe your leadership style. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership philosophy is grounded in clarity, communication, empathy, and mentorship. Clear goals and expectations are essential, and I believe strongly in maintaining open, two-way communication. My door is always open for ideas, feed back, and conversations.
Empathy plays a central role in how I lead. I respect the diversity within my team and prioritize both their professional development and personal well-being. I actively coach and mentor younger colleagues, encouraging continuous learning
and hands-on exposure to real-world challenges. My goal is to cultivate a team that enjoys its work, collaborates seamlessly, and celebrates collective achievements.
What is the future desti-nation you are heading towards?
My immediate goal is to establish Afcom Holdings as a premier freighter airline in India, expanding from our Chennai base to major cargo hubs such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.
But beyond operational growth, I am deeply invested in developing strong, capable teams and fostering a culture of excellence, learning, and collaboration.
Mentoring young professionals is something I hold close to my heart. Contributing to their growth, and giving back to the industry and community, is an integral part of my vision. Ultimately, I aim to balance sustainable business expansion with empowering the next generation of leaders.
Based on your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?
Begin with a clear plan. Understand what you want to achieve, in your career and in your personal life. Stay positive and prioritize happiness; stress often stems from uncer-tainty or lack of direction.
Communication is vital. Speak clearly, listen attentively, and always maintain an open dialogue with your team. Embrace hands-on learning, because practical experience builds confidence and insight.
Finally, be decisive. Not every decision will be perfect, but each one, even the wrong ones, teaches you some thing invaluable. Leadership is a journey, and growth comes from action.
Sunil Chandrasekhar, Chief Commercial Officer, Afcom Holdings
Sunil Chandrasekhar is a seasoned aviation and logistics professional with over 37 years of experience. He has held significant leadership roles at FedEx, including Acting Managing Director of Operations for India.
He currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Afcom Holdings, where he leads the commercial and strategic expansion of a Chennai-based freighter airline operating across Southeast Asia.
What is the future desti-nation you are heading towards?
My immediate goal is to establish Afcom Holdings as a premier freighter airline in India, expanding from our Chennai base to major cargo hubs such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.
But beyond operational growth, I am deeply invested in developing strong, capable teams and fostering a culture of excellence, learning, and collaboration.
Mentoring young professionals is something I hold close to my heart. Contributing to their growth, and giving back to the industry and community, is an integral part of my vision. Ultimately, I aim to balance sustainable business expansion with empowering the next generation of leaders.
Based on your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?
Begin with a clear plan. Understand what you want to achieve, in your career and in your personal life. Stay positive and prioritize happiness; stress often stems from uncer-tainty or lack of direction.
Communication is vital. Speak clearly, listen attentively, and always maintain an open dialogue with your team. Embrace hands-on learning, because practical experience builds confidence and insight.
Finally, be decisive. Not every decision will be perfect, but each one, even the wrong ones, teaches you some thing invaluable. Leadership is a journey, and growth comes from action.
Sunil Chandrasekhar, Chief Commercial Officer, Afcom Holdings
Sunil Chandrasekhar is a seasoned aviation and logistics professional with over 37 years of experience. He has held significant leadership roles at FedEx, including Acting Managing Director of Operations for India.
He currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Afcom Holdings, where he leads the commercial and strategic expansion of a Chennai-based freighter airline operating across Southeast Asia.