Hi, I’m Kirti. I have been at Maersk for more than 20 years, from doing data entry to now being Head of Customer Experience across three countries. In between I have worked in roles across different business functions and gained invaluable experience, and it’s all thanks to the culture of possibility at Maersk.
A humble start with big dreams
I joined Maersk following a campus presentation Maersk did at my university, it was intriguing and promised an exciting journey. As a new MBA graduate specializing in Finance, I was eager to start my career, so I joined as a Management Trainee, full of ambition and curiosity. My first rotation as a Management Trainee was in the Global Service Centre (GSC) in Mumbai, where I spent my time doing data entry. It wasn’t glamorous, and I felt underutilized, but saw that that this was just the beginning of something special.
Exploring the possibilities at Maersk
I spent seven years in finance, including an expatriate assignment in Copenhagen in Denmark, where the Maersk global headquarters are located. I eventually led the payables team in India but over time, I began to feel the need for change with sales catching my attention as I wanted to be closer to the customer, business and the action. For one year, I shadowed colleagues in the commercial function, absorbing everything I could.
After returning from maternity leave, I made a bold decision that I wouldn’t return to my old role; I wanted to work in sales. The timing was perfect as my department was relocating so I was able to transition into a sales role where I started off managing two portfolios. When a sales leader position opened up, I was initially hesitant in applying because I saw it as s a male-dominated space. I questioned whether I had the right experience, but I took the leap, applied and interviewed, and got the job.
Reinvention through experience
The move into sales opened the door to a series of different roles. I became Senior Sales Manager role for West India, then moved into Customer Experience which has led me to my current role in 2023, where I was appointed Head of Customer Experience for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka responsible for a team of 700 people. This role has allowed me to make a direct impact on customers’ logistics, and a broader contribution to global supply chains.
Each transition has brough its own challenges, but I was never alone. I’ve been fortunate to have managers who have believed in me, invested time in my growth, and gave me the space to explore where I wanted to take my career. Their support, along with Maersk’s extensive training in logistics and leadership, has given me the confidence to keep evolving.
Culture that fuels growth
What makes Maersk truly special as a workplace is the culture. Maersk is open, inclusive and deeply respectful of its people. Here, you are encouraged to bring your whole self to work, share ideas freely, and have your voice heard. Managers and leaders are approachable and supportive. This environment has allowed me to build relationships with colleagues across countries and functions, and gain knowledge which has become one of the greatest assets in my career. At Maersk, I’ve had the freedom to reinvent myself, the support to grow, and the opportunity to lead with purpose.
Purpose beyond performance
In 2019, I received the Great Manager Award from The Economic Times which I am very proud of, but for me, my most meaningful accomplishments lie in people development and seeing others grow and succeed. I have had the privilege to mentor several colleagues and have made it a priority to build strong succession plans within my teams, keeping them engaged and inspired.
At Maersk, I have reinvented myself, discovered my potential and found my purpose. It genuinely makes me happy to come to work and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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