Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder & Chairman, Allcargo Logistics Ltd
As a testament to his contribution in taking India's logistics industry on a global scale and his illustrious career spanning over four decades in the industry, Mr. Shetty is the recipient of the highest civilian honour from the royalty of Belgium. He has been conferred with the 'Distinction of Commander of the Order of Leopold II' by H.M. King Philippe of Belgium. This prestigious decoration was awarded for his remarkable efforts in strengthening economic relations between India and Belgium, notably by creating a significant economic impact in the Antwerp Port by the economic initiatives of Allcargo Logistics and ECU-LINE. Mr. Shetty was recently awarded an "Honorary Doctorate" at the 33rd annual convocation by Mangalore University Mr. Shetty received this honor for his immense contribution in the field of healthcare to the underprivileged in Mangalore through the Avashya Foundation. Previously Mr. Shetty has also received the 'Entrepreneur of the Year in Services Category' award by Ernst & Young.
He is a strong believer in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. His acts of philanthropy are reflected through the 'Avashya Foundation' a non profit NGO of the Avvashya Group. The foundation focuses on social programs for Natural Disaster Relief, Education, Health Care, Women Empowerment, Sports and Environmental Sustainability.
Born in Bantwal near the port city of Mangalore in Karnataka, Mr. Shetty came to Bombay post finishing his graduation and started his career in the logistics and shipping industry as a trainee. With zeal to make a mark in his life, he led his early responsibilities with a clear focus on learning the tricks of the trade and adding to his experience and expertise. One of the most memorable stints he had was with one of the Tata Group companies - Forbes Gokak, wherein he learned the professional aspects of shipping and logistics. This experience propelled him to start his own company which laid the foundation of an entrepreneur in the making. With the initial savings as seed funding, Mr. Shetty at the age of just 25 established his first venture Trans India Freight Services Pvt. Ltd which was successful in making a mark in the industry. The company initially catered to shipping lines and gradually expanded to servicing cargoes of Oil & Gas and Power Sectors majors. It was in 1992, that Mr. Shetty started Allcargo Logistics Ltd., with a vision to be an integrated logistics service provider. Allcargo under his leadership was the first company in India to introduce LCL (Less than Container Load) services, which today comprises a major part of the industry.
