RAVI VARRIER
CEO, Al-Rashed International Shipping Co.
‘Riding a high tide of success’
The life of Ravi Varrier, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Rashed International Shipping Co., Kuwait, is an enviable one for every Indian in Kuwait. He reached the zenith of his career after a long haul of 45 years through the ups and downs of the country’s economy and the maritime history of Kuwait as well, Mr. Varrier landed in Kuwait in 1977 with dreams of striking gold like every other of his compatriot. He was following in his uncle’s footsteps to reach Kuwait.
With just KWD 45 in his pocket, the young Ravi knocked on many doors for a job, but in vain. It was then that V.P. Prasad, a family friend, introduced him to Al-Rashed group. Mr Prasad retired from Al-Rashed as the Shipping Manager in 2016.
With South African ambassador
Holding on to that last straw, Mr. Varrier worked his way through the hierarchy over the next ten years. Convinced by his relentless and committed work, the management elevated his to the position of Shipping Manager. It was the time when the war with Iraq had ended and Al-Rashed had resumed business in Kuwait, Mr. Varrier, who had by then returned to India, was called back and offered the role of the General Manager of the company. Now, in his 45th year at Al-Rashed International Shipping Co., where he is currently the CEO, Mr. Varrier believes that there is still more for him to do in the company and the shipping industry as a whole.
Mr. Varrier’s mottos in life and business are simple yet intriguing, “If you have given 99% of your efforts, it still means 0%” and “In the world so competitive, it is you who decides whether you are an “H” or a “Z” in front of ERO making you a HERO or a ZERO.”
Starting off with just 20 staff members handling a few containers and LCLs with a room for an office, Al-Rashed International Shipping Co. is currently a multi-million-dollar organization operating out of a ten storied building in Kuwait with branches in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Al-Rashed is presently the market leader in Kuwait maritime and project logistics and is involved in many large projects across the country.
Al-Rashed International Shipping Co. represents over 200 principals who perform shipping and airfreight related activities across the globe in all segments. A global organization with a big reputation, Al-Rashed has been awarded the quality management system certification with UKAS accreditation as per the ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001. This certification acknowledges the quality system maintenance within the company’s activities of shipping, vessel handling, air and ocean freight, inland transportation, project logistics, warehousing, and integrated supply chain solutions.
The company also played not a small role in the rebuilding of Kuwait and its development with Mr. Varrier leading from the front. A tiny speck on the world map, Kuwait is one of the world’s wealthiest economies as it has one of the world’s largest oil reserves and is a developing economy. Al-Rashed International Shipping Co. contributed to the country’s development by aiding the logistics and project movements for almost seven decades. It is currently among Kuwait’s leading shipping companies.
A division of The Al-Rashed Group a long-established trading company founded in 1911 by Late Abdul Aziz Abdul Mohsin Al-Rashed, from the highly respected Al-Rashed family, the company was founded in 1952 and has been in its current form since 1991.
Al-Rashed International Shipping Co. currently is under the management of the third generation of Al-Rashed family- Mr. Bassim S Al Rashed, the chairman who is ably guided by Mr. Saad Al Rashed, Owner. Mr. Ravi Varrier, CEO and Mr. Pradeep Menon, CFO run the day-to-day of the organization.
Mr. Ravi Varrier considers it a big privilege for having the good fortune to work with three generations of the Al-Rashed family, Even the youngest member of the family has high regard for him. He fondly remembers Mr. Abdulaziz Al Rashed who shunned lifts to take the stairs to his office. Mr. Ravi Varrier also had the honour of working with the late Abdul Mohsin Al Rashed, the father of Mr Mishal Al Rashed. He has also worked with Mr Rashed Al Rashed, Mr.Saud Al Rashed, Mr. Khaled Faisal Saud Al Rashed and Mr. Essam Al Rashed, brothers of Mr. Bassim Al Rashed. He maintained a cordial relation with late Mr. Basil Al Rashed and Mr. Aziz Saad Al Rashed and their sisters. This family is always his extended family and they have never made him feel as an employee till date. Mr. Varrier also has great relation with the newest generation too.
Times have been tough for the CEO of Al-Rashed International Shipping Co. especially during the COVID and post COVID period. Still, with his dedication and zeal and with the support of his team, Mr. Varrier has been able to overcome the obstacles in the way and ensure client satisfaction is maintained.
Working late into the night; Mr. Varrier strives tirelessly into getting things done and done right. His vision is to grow the company and ensure all shareholders and stakeholders are kept happy at all times. Sporting a smile, he quips, “Where is the fun to live if it all came to you on a platter?”
Mr Varrier was born in a middle-class family from Vadavannur village in Palakkad district of Kerala. Although he dropped out of college, he continued his studies with biology as his major, in Kuwait. Although he desired to become a doctor, life had a different path in store for him. “At the age of 32, I reached this position and still continue to do well,” says Mr. Varrier.
Mr Varrier’s parents are no more with him. His dad was Lieutenant Colonel AVK Varrier and Mother Lakshmi Kutty. He was third among his siblings of three sisters and one brother. His wife, Uma Maheshwari, is a business woman and daughter, Varrshaa, is a student in London.
Mr. Varrier has passed through several personal and professional crisis over the years. “I am proud to be born in India and at the same time my bread is given by this beautiful country Kuwait,” he said. Mr. Varrier is presently settled in Chennai.
Contact:
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