Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, and where you worked previously.
A: I have been in my current Cargo Sales Manager Hong Kong role for nearly three months now, looking after our transpacific cargo business. It is my sixth role since joining Cathay Pacific in 2014 as a Management Trainee.
Before my cargo role, I was stationed in China for two years as Port Manager in Nanjing and Area Manager in Zhejiang, covering three ports – Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou. Hangzhou is well-known for its leading position in e-commerce development, and I was fortunate enough to visit Alibaba and CaiNiao’s impressive warehouse facilities, which was an eye-opening and enlightening experience.
Q: What are your first impressions of your new role?
A: Interestingly, I requested this position and I am very glad I did so. The cargo world is dynamic and fast-moving. My impression is that as a B2B business at the heart of world trade, it is grounded and the people are very down to earth, which is something I really enjoy. In the current operating environment, our approach has to be agile and bold to capture all the opportunities and really convince our customers to use Cathay Pacific Cargo. We still have to plan ahead while remaining more open-minded and reacting to changes quickly.
Q: What are you enjoying most about the job?
A: I really enjoy reaching ‘win-win’ outcomes when negotiating with our business partners – it gives me a sense of satisfaction by finding value for both parties. It has been very enlightening to understand the value that Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific Cargo bring to our customers and how we can differentiate our service through expertise, operational excellence and digital leadership. And I feel like I am contributing to Hong Kong by helping maintain its position as one of the most important cargo hubs in the world.
Q: What are the challenges and opportunities?
A: The major challenge to the cargo market is the increasing unpredictability of the traditional peak, which is no surprise given the uncertainties affecting the global economy and local business environment. As we approach November, we are getting ready to capture an upward trend in the market driven by the major year-end as well as e-commerce sales activities.
Q: How do you keep up with the needs of the local market?
A: The challenge I have set for myself is to meet and speak with as many of our agents as possible. I have to thank my team, who play a vital role in meeting our customers’ needs and providing updates on the local market. It is crucial for us to listen to and be close to our customers.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: It is good to be back home in Hong Kong so I can finally spend more time with my family and friends. I also recently started two new hobbies – scuba diving and golf.
