Vishal Lather is chief executive officer (CEO) of DP World Ports and Terminals, and South CFS, Chennai Container Terminal Private Limited (CCT). He has more than 22 years of professional experience in the areas of ship management, supply chain management, cold chain management and landside logistics, including rail, private freight terminals, inland container depots (ICDs), container freight stations (CFSs) and road transportation.
In his current role, Lather focuses on addressing infrastructure gaps and maximising the utilisation of land parcels within the port premises. Under his leadership, CCT aims to enhance its operational efficiency and contribute to the growth and development of not just Chennai port but also the logistics ecosystem in the country. He is also overseeing the integration of CCT with a large network of CFSs and ICDs in key cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which will further improve connectivity and operational synergies.
Prior to joining DP World, Lather was CEO and executive director of Distribution Logistics Infrastructure Private Limited. He has held leadership roles in various leading companies in India, including Snowman Logistics, APM Terminals, Sical Logistics Limited, Gateway Rail Freight Limited, and Trident.
Lather’s management style is collaborative with an emphasis on empowerment and open communication within the team. He believes in fostering an innovative and inclusive work environment. In crisis situations, he remains calm and composed, quickly assessing the situation and making informed decisions to tackle the problem. He prioritises clear communication and decisive action, ensuring that all stakeholders are well informed and that solutions are implemented efficiently.
Lather obtained a master’s degree from the Institute of Management and Technology, Ghaziabad, and a diploma in applied science from TAFE, Western Australia. His strong academic background, combined with extensive industry experience, has given him with a profound understanding of the intricacies of the logistics sector.
On the personal front, Lather says he enjoys staying active through various fitness activities. He is also an avid reader of biographies and memoirs. Some of his recommended reads include Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant. He also enjoys watching historical documentaries and occasionally travels to cultural sites to delve deeper into their historical significance.