Our Team

We believe the best solutions require the best minds in the business. No challenge is too large or small for our talented team of dedicated professionals.

Principals

Fouze Farrhan

Group President & CEO

Abhay Kumar

Managing Director

Mustafa Ali

Sr. Vice President

Syed Hamid

Chief Financial Officer

Terri L Tederman

President - North America

Shanmugam Balaji

Managing Director (South India)

Executive Leadership Profile

Bhagwant Singh

Graduation from IIBM, India
Vice President – Marketing

Bhagwant brings with him a hard-core customer centric approach to drive sales process. He also has fair experience in areas of domestic transport, CFS operations & customs procedures, which helps in getting tailor made solutions for our customers. In his free time, he likes to participate in community service at the local Gurudwara (Sikh Temple).

Faran Syed

BEng (Hons) – Univ. of Mumbai, IATA-CIC, CIFFA Certificate in Int'l Freight Forwarding
Director - Air Freight & Compliance

Faran has been handling IT implementation, local & international Compliances in freight forwarding for the company for the last 10 years, and is currently supervising operations of the Mumbai office. In his free time, he likes to catch up on some reading & likes travelling and going on long drives, and is also an avid follower of Formula-1 Racing.

Akheel Fouze (FCILT)

BBA [Hons] - Newcastle Business School - UK, MSc in SCM - Uni of Warwick - UK, GLS - California State Uni. FCILT - UK
Vice President - North America

Akheel is responsible for the company's R&D as well as identifying new growth areas. He is a Chartered fellow of the Institute of Logistics and Transportation, UK & also a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), USA. During his free time, he likes to ride on the deep face of a moving wave with his surfboard.

Prem Bhushan

B. Tech (Information Technology), PGDM (International Business) (AICTE), IATA -CIC
Country Manager

Prem has accumulated over a decade of extensive experience in the freight forwarding industry. Throughout his career, he has specialized in managing overseas partners and effectively bridging gaps between cross-functional teams. He Specializes in opportunity cargo - his role has involved strategic planning, international logistics coordination, and fostering strong business relationships across borders. He is committed to ongoing professional and personal development, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills to stay ahead in his field. He enjoys immersing himself in various genres of films, finding both relaxation and inspiration through cinema. Valuing the importance of family, he cherishes quality time with his loved ones, balancing his professional responsibilities with personal life.

Divakaran Nair

B.com, MBA (Supply Chain Management)
General Manager- South (Chartering and Projects)

Divakaran Nair heads projects and break bulk handling. He has over two decade of project handling experience. He is an active member of Federation of Freight Forwarders in India and an expert in all customer compliances in the logistics industry. He is also a social worker, active participant in all logistics trade events and conducting training to trade.

Shakir Ali

BA (Uni of Lucknow)
General Manager

A pioneering member of our team with over a decade of NVOCC/OTI experience, he likes to play cricket, read, and listen to music.

Vivek Kumar

BBS (Hons), MIB (International Business)
General Manager

With over a decade of experience in freight forwarding and CFS/ICD operations, he is currently heading North American operations and customer service.   During his spare time, he likes to play cricket and listen to audio books

Ankit Somani

BCOM (Hons)Uni of Mumbai, MBA - (AICTE) DISCM (IIT)
General Manager (Chartering & Projects)

Ankit heads vessel chartering, husbanding, breakbulk and special projects for Crest and has over a decade of NVOCC/OTI experience.  He was a competitive cricketer and is now a passionate biker who is fond of many makes of motorcycle, including Royal Enfield, Harley Davidson, Ducati and the list goes on

CA Arun Balaji

Chartered Accountant from (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) & B.Com from Loyola University
Regional Commercial Head (South India)

Arun, a vibrant and ambitious chartered accountant, energizes those around him with his innovative contributions to the company's expansion. He thrives on forging new connections globally and exploring diverse cultures through travel. During his leisure, he relishes social outings with friends and indulges in his passion for cricket.

Ajmal Ahamed

Director

Ajmal counts two decades of NVOCC and freight forwarding experience, and is an expert in handling special cargo projects including hazardous and cold chain. He has an impeccable ability to troubleshoot and team-work, and he likes to spend quality time with his family and friends

Johnny Benedict

Director Commercial

Johnny's extensive 20+ years in shipping and logistics with multinational background and experience have solidified his position as a crucial figure in sales and marketing within the industry. His dedication to giving more than 100% reflects not only a strong work ethic but also a genuine passion for his work.

He places a premium on relationships, recognizing their significance in both business and personal spheres. Whether dealing with colleagues, clients, or loved ones, he understands that meaningful connections are the foundation of success and fulfilment.

Looking ahead, Johnny eagerly anticipates achieving new milestones and successes alongside the Crest family.

Travis Almeida

MBA (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
Director

Travis is a highly experienced professional in the field of freight forwarding with over a decade of expertise. He possesses an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, allowing him to excel in his role. Travis specializes in consolidation and handling inbound shipments via air and sea from Europe and the Far East.

Apart from his professional achievements, Travis also enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones during his spare time. He often embarks on travel adventures with his family and friends, appreciating the joy and experiences that come with exploring new places together.

Shabbeer Abdul Rahman

BSc (Hons), MSc -University of Plymouth UK, CMILT
Head of Air Freight Operations

Shabbeer leads & manages the Air Freight division with close to a decade of experience in air freight operations, R&D, continuous business process improvements, and analysis at operational, tactical, and strategic levels. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. He is also tech-savvy in logistics systems, including ERP processors, to drive efficiency and business growth. Since 2016, he has been a visiting lecturer on topics related to Logistics and Supply Chain Management at NSBM Green University. Outside of work, he is an avid traveler who loves to explore, network, and experience new food, cultures, and destinations.