Marco Poisler

Adjunct Professor, University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, COO – Global Energy & Capital Projects, UTC Overseas, Inc.

Marco Poisler, a key figure in global logistics, serves on UTC's Global Executive Management Team and Board of Directors. Born in Jersey City, he studied economics at Georgetown University and earned a Master's in Transportation from SUNY Maritime. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, with working knowledge of Ukrainian, Mr. Poisler has been instrumental in establishing strategic Global Energy & Capital Project offices worldwide.

As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston's Cullen Engineering Supply Chain & Logistics Technology Program, Marco teaches "Project Logistics" developed by Margaret Kidd. He is currently pursuing an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration at UH Bauer, focusing on the intersection of AI and logistics under the guidance of Dr. Meng Li, founder of the Human-Centered AI Institute. This cutting-edge research complements his extensive industry experience, bridging theoretical advancements with practical applications in global supply chains.

Mr. Poisler’s community involvement includes serving on the Houston Maritime Education Center board and various trade associations. He co-authored the textbook "Project Logistics: The Universal Transportation Course."

With a strong background in economics, transportation, global logistics, and insights into emerging technologies, Mr. Poisler continues to make significant contributions to UTC Overseas and the industry. His leadership, combined with his commitment to education, innovative research, and community involvement, positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of global transportation and logistics.

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Mohammad Jaber

CEO

Combi Lift Project Logistics - MEA

With over 25 years of experience in logistics and transportation, Mohammad Jaber is a respected industry leader known for his strategic insight and cross-sector expertise. His career spans capital project logistics, oil and gas, chemicals, marine services, agriculture, pharma, and defense, across the UAE and beyond. Formerly Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Projects at Agility GIL, and later Managing Director of DSV Air & Sea Abu Dhabi, Mohammad now serves as CEO of Combi Lift Project Logistics, part of Germany’s Harren Group. A sustainability advocate, he champions innovation through electric mobility, AI, and automation, driving the evolution of modern supply chains in the Middle East and worldwide.

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Olivier Laurent

CEO

RailDirect

Olivier Laurent is a seasoned logistics leader with more than 17 years of experience across the GCC, combining strategic rail-corridor development with a deep operational foundation in freight forwarding.

As CEO of Rail Direct, he drives the expansion of multimodal rail-and-road freight solutions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, promoting ESG-focused modal shift, cross-border compliance, and seamless customs connectivity.

His earlier career—spanning senior roles such as Vice-President at Toll Global Forwarding, Country Manager & Regional sector Head as DHL —equipped him with hands-on expertise in air, sea, and land freight operations, P&L management, carrier negotiations, and leading large multicultural teams.

This combined background positions him as a compelling voice on the future of integrated logistics and the evolution of freight networks across the Gulf.

 

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Charlotte Verhaert

Certified Business Coach

Charlotte, founder of C Coaching.Consulting, is a highly experienced business executive and leader with decades of experience in Fortune 500's. A multilingual Leadership Development Consultant, she has spent many years managing teams, mostly at times of great organisational change, bringing both expertise and insight to complex transitions. 

She helps organisations in the region to develop their people to improve business efficiency, by delivering bespoke training and consultancy solutions based on personalized requirements, practical industry experience with a human- centered approach. She worked across different countries and continents for more than 19 years, providing an excellent awareness of cultural diversity and complexity. She has experience in start-ups, company mergers and was member of the board of directors in Belgium.

Charlotte has a passion to connect people, grow talent within the organization and improve performance. She wants YOU to thrive. She is a Certified Coach and has masters in Criminology, Management & Communication. 

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Captain Hussam Farrouq Suyyagh

Manager Business Excellence

ADNOC Logistics & Services

Captain Hussam Suyyagh is a seasoned maritime and logistics transformation leader with more than 30 years of international experience advancing digital innovation, automation, and sustainable mobility across the marine and energy sectors. His leadership at ADNOC has been central to modernizing offshore logistics through next generation technologies such as the AI enabled Logistics Operations Center, autonomous marine craft programs, the AI Drone Command Center, and the region’s first autonomous ready smart warehouse ecosystem.

He has championed groundbreaking sustainable mobility initiatives including the UAE’s first fully electric Seaglider program with REGENT and the introduction of E VTOL and hybrid marine mobility concepts, enabling safer, greener, and more efficient offshore operations. His work integrates AI analytics, automation, and clean energy solutions to reduce emissions, enhance operational resilience, and support ADNOC’s long term decarbonization goals.

Across his career, Captain Hussam has delivered multi million dollar value through digital ecosystems, advanced logistics platforms, and integrated supply chain modernization programs. He is recognized as a forward thinking innovator, advisor, and speaker who shapes industry dialogue on sustainability, digital transformation, and future marine mobility. His contributions continue to influence the regional and global evolution of smarter, safer, and more sustainable maritime logistics.
 

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Walid Dziri

CEO

Pangea Shipping Group

Walid I. Dziri embarked on his professional journey in the shipping industry in 1993, starting at African Shipping Agency, a dedicated set up for containers ex USA to Tunisia and Trailers between France and North Africa. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained valuable experience through various roles and training periods.

His career has led him to develop and demonstrate strong leadership and management skills. Recognized by the shipping community, he was elected Vice-President of the Tunisian Chamber of Ships Agents.

Walid holds a Master’s degree with special distinction from the High Institute of Commercial Studies (H.E.C.) Carthage

Walid's leadership abilities and fluency in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, plays a key role in his success in the shipping industry. 

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Krishnan Subramaniam

International Chairman

Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

Krishnan Subramaniam is a distinguished expert in supply chain management, logistics, commercial shipping, and industry education, with nearly four decades of experience. He currently serves as Chief Learning Officer at Transworld Academy of Excellence.

He holds industry leadership roles as the International Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), U.K and as a key member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) UAE's Steering Committee for the 
Customs & Trade Facilitation Commission.

Throughout his career, Krishnan has held significant positions at Bharat Petroleum Corporation in India, Shell Petroleum in Dubai and Singapore, Aurora Tankers/IMC Group in Singapore, Fusion Group in Dubai and India, and Petrochem Middle East in Dubai. As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (FICS), he is also an active trainer and mentor with the ICS as well as other professional bodies.

Krishnan’s contributions extend into academia, where he serves as an Academic Advisor at various maritime institutions and as an adjunct faculty member at S.P. Jain School of Global Management, Dubai, UPES India, IIM Mumbai and Gujarat Maritime University, sharing his deep knowledge of shipping and logistics with the 
next generation of industry professionals.

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Fatima Khalid

Cadet Training in Maritime Shipping & Operations

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy

Fatima Khalid is currently pursuing her studies in Maritime Shipping and Operations at Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. As a dedicated deck cadet training to become a Navigational Officer, developing strong foundational knowledge and practical skills in ship navigation, maritime safety, and vessel operations.
Fatima’s academic and practical training reflects her passion for the maritime field and her ambition to contribute to the safe and efficient movement of vessels in international waters. She aims to strengthen her expertise through continued sea service, professional certifications, and engagement with the wider maritime community.

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Captain Ayse Asli Basak

Co-founder and CEO

Shipsider

Capt. Ayse Asli Basak is a trailblazer in the maritime industry, serving as Co-Founder & CEO of Shipsider, a pioneering maritime startup revolutionizing commercial operations with cutting-edge AI technology. With over 12 years of experience as a Sea and Port Captain in ship operations, she brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to her entrepreneurial endeavors. Ayse's passion for innovation led her to develop Shipsider's smart, modular AI systems, simplifying and optimizing maritime operations while prioritizing sustainability. Recognized as a leader and advocate in her field, Ayse has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Women to Watch in Shipping and Young Gender Balanced Leader of the Year. Most recently, she was honored as a Winner in the 40 Under 40 Professionals List at the Belgium Maritime Breakbulk Event. Beyond her achievements, Ayse is a vocal advocate for the digitalization of maritime operations and the empowerment of women at sea. Her visionary leadership and dedication to innovation continue to shape the future of the maritime industry.

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Captain Sahar Rasti

Founder and CEO

SJR Group

Trailblazing Emirati maritime captain, entrepreneur, and visionary leader, recognized as the first certified female maritime captain in the UAE. Featured in the UAE Women Encyclopedia as a national pioneer. Honored speaker at international and local maritime conferences, inspiring audiences worldwide. Founder and CEO of multiple innovative maritime ventures, driving youth mentorship and global maritime industry innovation

Revolutionary Innovation: Creator of RAHAAL, the world's first AIpowered platform for maritime employment and career matching, designed to match seafarers with opportunities and simplify hiring through smart tools.

Featured prominently in the UAE Women Encyclopedia as a national pioneer, Captain Rasti continues to break barriers through technological innovation in maritime recruitment and services. Her expertise spans AI-powered maritime platforms, youth mentorship, and international conference speaking, representing the UAE as a maritime pioneer on global stages.

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John Pittalis

Head of Marketing & Communications

AAL Shipping (AAL)

John Pittalis is Head of Marketing & Communications at AAL Shipping (AAL), a role he has held since joining the company in 2014. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

John also serves as Head of Marketing & Communications for Schoeller Holdings, an international group with ownership interests across the maritime, aviation, hospitality, and digital development sectors, of which AAL is a proud member.

Prior to joining AAL, John ran a strategic marketing agency, providing consultancy services to clients in ship management, financial services, and fast-moving consumer goods. He began his career at Shandwick in London, delivering press office and crisis communications consultancy to clients including a major UK ferry operator and a South of England port operator.

His published thesis on Recession Marketing led to guest lecturer invitations for both graduate and postgraduate university students in the UK and overseas.
 

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