Dr. C M Najeeb
Managing Director
SHIPCO-Oman
In the world of shipping, logistics, and supply chain management, few names resonate with authority and achievement like Dr. C. M. Najeeb. With an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, Dr. Najeeb has become a paragon of leadership, innovation, and excellence. As the Managing Director of Ships Agency and International Logistics Co. (SHIPCO) and Chairman of Rover Group of Companies in the UAE, his journey reflects a blend of relentless dedication and entrepreneurial brilliance.
Born in Kozhikode, India, to a family rooted in strong values, Dr. Najeeb exhibited an early aptitude for perseverance and learning. After completing his Commerce degree from the University of Calicut, he joined Kerala’s Revenue Department for his first government job.
Dr. Najeeb’s professional voyage began in 1976 with a transformative tenure at Norway-based Wilhelmsen Ships Service, where he devoted 35 years to mastering the intricacies of the maritime industry. Rising from the role of a tally/claims clerk in Dammam, Saudi Arabia to becoming Deputy General Manager, Saudi Arabia and Oman’s Country Manager, his ascension was marked by strategic vision, adaptability, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. At the age of 37, he was the first Indian national to be appointed the country manager, in the Middle East, by Wilh. Wilhelmsen group, who boasts to have more than 140 years of existence in the international maritime field, this extensive experience equipped him with unparalleled insight into global shipping and logistics arena.
Wilhelmsen Holding ASA is a global maritime industry group, headquartered in Lysaker, Norway. The group employs more than 21,000 people and has operations in 75 nations. The Wilhelmsen group operates the largest maritime network in the world, with over 2200 locations worldwide.
In 2011, Dr. Najeeb decided to embark on his journey as a businessman with the confidence that his wealth of knowledge and impeccable experience would hold him in good stead. Dr. Najeeb established operations by starting Ships Agency and International Logistics Co LLC Oman (SHIPCO). Under his stewardship as Managing Director, the firm deals with Shipping, Ship Chandling, Logistics, Warehousing and Chartering. The company also provides top-class freight forwarding solutions to customers in the Sultanate. Under Dr. Najeeb’s watchful eyes, the firm has become a globally acclaimed Ships Agent, freight forwarder, consolidator and logistics service provider. It has offices in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah and Duqm
SHIPCO is the logistics provider in Muscat representing ship owners and charterers for their ship calls in the ports of the Sultanate. It also oversees regional overland transport, and freight forwarding services through its offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and ports in East Africa. Over the years, the firm has gained a rock-solid reputation in terms of integrity, consistency and competence. When it comes to ocean freight, the company provides some of the best shipping rates and handles all kinds of shipments, both wet and dry, including oversized cargo. In terms of logistics, SHIPCO handles the end-to-end operations with planning and responsibility. It makes use of its expertise in packing, transporting surveillance, insurance coverage, port clearing, transit and removal of goods.
Dr. Najeeb worked as member of various Oman Trade delegations to a number of countries and member of key government Shipping and Logistics body working with key stake holders to facilitate trade benefits. The Government of Oman had nominated Dr. Najeeb to be a panel member for the Logistics Sector of The National Program for Enhancing Economic Diversification. He has helped develop innovative solutions and proposals alongside industry leaders. He also helped implement various initiatives to improve trade efficiency between authorities and service providers.
Dr. Najeeb was also a member of the Omani Centre for Investment Promotion & Export Development and an Adviser for Oman Chamber of Commerce & Port Authority for Seatrade Cruise conference/exhibitions held.
He has successfully implemented, restructured and revived the operations of many underperforming businesses and strategically advanced the development and implementation of Major Maritime Projects supporting member and partner organizations through a collaborative process. Dr. Najeeb has conducted various training programs for Investment, Business Orientation and Personality Development.
The veteran shipping industry professional has a positive and trust based relations with Port Operators, Terminal Operators, Shipping Lines, Government Authorities and other key stakeholders. Dr. Najeeb has extensive relationships with ship owners and operators all over the world, especially in India and Far East. He has good rapport with business units across the globe dealing with Ships Agency, Ship Owners, Ship Operators, Port Operators, Stevedoring Operators, Marine Insurance (Ship-Machinery-Personnel-Third Party), Freight Forwarding, Customs and Transportation. He also had good rapport with Port Terminal Operators in Hong Kong – China – Singapore – Denmark –UK etc.
Dr. Najeeb is an expert in People Management, Public-Private, Organizational Reform & Alignment, Tendering & Negotiated Solutions, Merger & Acquisition and Business Strategy. He is a public speaker of repute. He is also an expert in Entrepreneurial Leadership, International Business Development and Visionary Leadership.
He is the founder and former President of Oman Ship Agents’ Association (OSAA), and active member of Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA). He is also a former Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman. He was the founder Vice-Chairman and Board Member of Starcare Hospitals, Oman; he is a Board Member of Meralda Jewels, India, and Chairman of Rover Logistic Freight LLC, Dubai, UAE,
Dr. Najeeb belongs to that rare tribe of entrepreneurs who are immersed in academics to expand their knowledge base and be beacons of inspiration for others. He is a regular presence at regional and international conferences and workshops on Marine Pollution, Environmental Issues, Maritime Safety, Insurance, Risk Management, Vessels Operations and Quality Standards. He has also presented several papers and delivered keynote addresses.
With a Honorary Doctorate from the Commonwealth Vocational University of Kingdom of Tonga and MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Dr. Najeeb has also to his credit, numerous certificate courses in areas such as Shipping, Marine Insurance, Leadership Training, and General Management in Shipping from prestigious institutions MIT Massachusetts, the United States, and WW Academy, Oslo, Norway. He has also mentored at various centers around the world. Dr.Najeeb was also privileged to attend a week-long familiarization course at the world-renowned marine insurer SKULD in the Norwegian capital.
As the Vice-Chairman of Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, Dr. Najeeb had interacted with children of all age groups. In fact, he loves his role in mentoring the future citizens of this world so much so that he never misses an opportunity to address the student community, be it in Oman or elsewhere.
Dr. Najeeb’s father, late T V Mohammed Koya, was a businessman who also had a stint with Tata Oil Mills in Kochi, and mother, late Cheriyakath Beevi, was a homemaker. Dr. Najeeb counts his better half, Thoppil Sainabi, as his pillar of support. The couple’s eldest daughter Noora is a medical graduate and she is married to Dr. Shabeer, a senior consultant working as a Nephrologist in the UK. They have five children. Dr. Najeeb’s son Nabeel is a General Manager at SHIPCO and he is blessed with a son who is in fourth grade and a daughter who is in Kintergarten. The youngest daughter Naaz is a graduate and is into real estate business. She has one daughter who is in Grade 1. Passionate about football, books, travelling to newer shores and meeting people, Dr. Najeeb is a ‘young social activist’ with no affiliation to any religious, regional, racial outfits and party politics.
Dr. Najeeb’s journey is a shining example of visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to excellence. His legacy as a leader, mentor, and trailblazer continues to inspire countless professionals in the shipping and logistics sector and beyond.
Contact Information
PO Box No 1574
PC: 114 Jibroo
Sultanate of Oman
GSM: +968 99103443
Tel: +968 24703333
Contact in India: +91 7306815981
