From National Logistic Champion Vision to Reality - Reflections!

So it’s been 18 months of living in Saudi Arabia, and it’s safe to say that I think I have got more questions from family, friends and former colleagues about my life here than my entire 30 years time in New Zealand!!

?I get asked what the country is like, what the people are like and also what the food is like. In a nutshell I can tell you that Saudi Arabia not only has a vibrant society with warm and generous people but it has an amazing tapestry of contrasts (beaches, deserts, snowy mountains, wadis you name it!) and the food is incredibly delicious (Although I do miss an old fashioned kiwi pie)

?I also get asked about Vision 2030 and whether or not the goals will be achieved. Firstly, I cannot underline more that the ambitious strides this country is taking in challenging norms and perspectives to achieve something of this magnitude, is only rivalled by the willingness, passion and commitment to achieve the Vision. This commitment to delivering the Vision is evident in the rapid pace of development coupled with the right desire and right leadership delivering outputs practically every day. I feel incredibly lucky being here in such an extraordinary time

?Vision 2030 also relates to the work we are doing across the SPL Group of companies and I’m incredibly lucky having the leadership of His Excellency and President of Saudi Post Anef Abanomi who has direct line of sight to the Vision 2030 framework and provides the strategic guidance and direction for us to chase. Our Acting CEO of Naqel Express Dr Fadi Al-Buhairan has also been a great source of inspiration with his relentless pursuit of excellence. The drive and passion of both of these leaders has not only meant we have delivered on goals but also thrive at work!

?And to say we have been thriving and delivering is an understatement, if I look back over the last 18 months on some of the things that have been delivered by the SPL Group of companies teams:

• We continue to reimagine logistics and enhance experiences through initiatives such as our new EV trucks, creation of a sustainable air dome processing facility in Al Madinah and being the first logistics provider in the Kingdom to use Biofuels in our Red Sea project fleet
• We facilitated much needed UNICEF aid to Sudan through our multi modal supply chain with goods arriving by air into the Kingdom and exported by sea into Sudan
• We delivered more than 1 million copies of Holy Qura’ans to more than 20 countries
• We re-branded 70+ of our retail stores into the new SPL brand
• We enhanced our cold chain and pharma capabilities with new warehouses, new services and even delivering live corneal tissue for an operation
• As designated operator we were proud to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the UPU Extraordinary congress held in Riyadh during October and attended by more than 160 countries
• Our digital transformation arm InfinitePL continue to lead the way in creating logistics eco-systems that make it seamless and accessible for customers to succeed in logistics. This is no better illustrated by their acquisition of GNTEQ Limited which has enabled global reach through their advanced platform capabilities
• We also created a joint venture called Parcel@ which enables out of home deliveries across the KSA and making it convenient to receive parcels when and where customers need them
• Our International offshore presence across 16 countries continues to thrive utilizing our integrated multi modal end to end supply chain capabilities. The success was capped off by receiving a certificate of appreciation from Dubai Customs for our dedication and commitment to excellence as well!
• And we even successfully transported race horses from around the world for the Saudi Cup which is the most lucrative event in world horse racing!
• Finally, we have been recognised both domestically and internationally for our work. To name a few:o?? Best Medical Supplies Mail Services provider at the Global Business Outlook Awards,o?? Gold Award Winner of Best B2B Customer experience at the Saudi Customer Experience Awardso?? Winner of the 2023 World Project Management Office of the year at the PMO Global Awards

The list goes on but this is a just a taste and recap over the last 18 months working with SPL Group of Companies in Saudi Arabia, operating with incredible teams and committed people on a pathway to success.

?Not only am I excited and thankful to be part of this transformation journey so far, I am incredibly excited for what the future holds here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the SPL Group of companies. The future is bright and you will continue to see more delivery, transformation and innovation over the next 18 months!!