Chitra Shinde
Honored as “Jury – Women of Influence”
At CToday Awards, we celebrate visionary leaders who push the boundaries of innovation, expertise, and dedication. In our esteemed ‘Women of Influence’ category, one name stands out — Chitra Shinde. Over her 25 years at DHL, she has played a key role in improving operations and setting new standards. Starting as a management trainee and rising to Vice President of Operations at DHL Express Singapore, Chitra has shown incredible vision and determination.
Additionally, Chitra has led teams across six countries, always adapting to new challenges and driving success. Her journey is a testament to resilience, strategic acumen, and the commitment to excellence. Under her leadership, DHL has achieved significant operational advancements, reshaping industry standards and setting new benchmarks in global logistics. Her ability to lead with passion makes her a true role model in the industry and a deserving recipient of this recognition.
A Journey of Dedication and Visionary Leadership
Chitra Shinde’s journey with DHL Express reflects a story of resilience, determination, and visionary leadership. She started her career in 1994 in Mumbai, India. She was one of the first female trainees at Gateway Operations, a company formed by a joint effort from DHL, British Airways, and Lufthansa. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, she quickly ascertained her position in mastering complex logistical operations, using precision and creativity. This gave her a solid base to assume strategic roles across six countries, India, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and now Singapore. Every role threw its unique challenges and helped her develop valuable insights into diverse operational landscapes and cultural nuances, shaping her leadership approach.
As vice president of operations at DHL Express Singapore, Chitra’s function is connecting global strategies with local actions. She believes that success in operations is a balance of efficiency and a people-centered approach. “Motivated people and teamwork are crucial to achieving sustainable success,” she says. She implemented the Domestic Same-day Sprint Line Service, an order-to-delivery timeline game changer that puts order delivery well within customer expectations for satisfaction. DHL’s dedication to speed, reliability, and innovation under her leadership has put the company on top of its industry. However, her influence does not end there. She is an ardent workforce developer, propelling a high-performance culture through constant learning and empowerment. In developing teamwork and operational flexibility, she has helped DHL Express Singapore stay at the forefront of logistics services set new standards for service delivery, and redefine leadership in the logistics industry.
Championing Innovation, Customer Centricity, and Diversity
At the helm is Chitra, known for her pioneering spirit of innovation, customer focus, and inclusion. According to her, such an evolving nature of industry like logistics asks for innovation to stay ahead: “We need to innovate consistently to constantly blow our customers’ minds with consistency and quality in experience.” Under her leadership, DHL Express Singapore embraced AI-powered tracking systems and automated sorting and routing solutions, making efficiency and service reliability significantly more improved. These digital tools that she integrated have streamlined operations, reduced transit times, and further cemented DHL as a logistics leader.
Beyond operational enhancement lies a customer-oriented delivery where she extends her concerns for customers, for example, improving on-demand delivery to enhance customer benefits such as picking specific times of day or street address delivery as options to choose in making customized and convenient schedules and locations; she made enhancements for DHL. Additionally, she is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. Thriving in an industry dominated by men, she actively mentors aspiring female leaders and works to create a workplace culture where every employee feels valued and empowered. Through innovation, customer-focused strategies, and a commitment to inclusivity, she is shaping a future where DHL Express is not only efficient but also deeply people-driven.
Recognizing Excellence in Leadership
Chitra has earned numerous prestigious awards and accolades in the logistics industry. In 2024, she was titled “Most Prestigious Female Leader of the Year” by the CToday Awards, recognizing her visionary leadership in maintaining operational excellence. She has focused on driving innovation, optimizing logistics, and fostering inclusivity, positioning herself as a transformative leader.
Under her leadership, DHL Express Singapore has been ranked the Number 1 Great Place to Work for five consecutive years, a testament to her commitment to employee well-being and engagement. Employee development is deeply embedded in DHL’s culture through various training programs, including the Certified International Specialist (CIS) program, which all employees undergo upon joining the company. This initiative enhances their knowledge and skills, contributing to DHL Express’ recognition as a global leader in workplace excellence. The company has been ranked first in the ‘Large’ workplaces category globally by the Great Place to Work® Institute since 2020. In 2024, DHL Express was also named the top company on Asia’s Best Workplaces™ list.
Beyond workplace excellence, her leadership has also ensured operational safety and efficiency. DHL Express Singapore received the Silver Award in Workplace Safety and Health Innovation from the Singapore Logistics Association, underscoring its commitment to top safety standards. While these accolades highlight her success, her true legacy lies in her leadership philosophy—one that prioritizes people, innovation, and customer excellence. Through her continued impact on the logistics sector, Chitra Shinde remains an inspiration for future generations of leaders, shaping the industry for years to come.
A Vision For Sustainable Growth
Sustainability is a core component of her strategic vision for DHL Express Singapore. She understands the increasing need for environmentally friendly and efficient supply chain solutions, and she has been driving bold initiatives to steer the company toward a greener future. One of her primary strategies is to expand DHL’s electric vehicle fleet, and she has been ambitious enough to set a goal of 100% EV-based daily operations by 2030. This helps reduce the carbon footprint of the company while at the same time aligning with Singapore’s wider green initiatives. She is committed to the integration of sustainable practices into DHL’s operations, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of environmentally responsible logistics.
Besides sustainability, she is pushing the DHL agenda further in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. In recognition of the growing demand for niche logistics solutions in these sectors, she has spearheaded innovation in temperature-controlled shipments to ensure the safe transport of critical medical supplies, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals. For her, the future of logistics is more than just operational efficiency; it is about building resilient, sustainable, and customer-centric supply chains. She is committed to developing robust solutions that can withstand global disruptions while prioritizing innovation and sustainability.
Through her visionary leadership, she is not only shaping DHL Express Singapore’s future but also setting a new standard for sustainable logistics worldwide, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. Proof of her exceptional contribution to the logistics industry is that she has been appointed as a jury member in the CToday Awards Women of Influence category. As she continues to lead DHL Express Singapore with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence, a tradition that will be pursued by generations to come will add to her prestigious legacy. She has not only built a career but also impacted the logistics sector and the communities she serves, which makes her a true trailblazer in the world of global logistics and supply chain management.