DP World is the leading provider of smart logistics and enables the flow of trade across the world.
Beginning in 1972 as a local port operator in Dubai, to evolving into a global logistics powerhouse with operations in more than 78 countries across six continents, it is fair to say that DP World has been on quite the journey over the past half-century.
Global trade creates opportunities and helps improve the quality of life for people across the world. As part of this, DP World’s mission is to simplify the world’s trade flow and transform the possible for customers and communities.
Ahead of Manifest Vegas 2025, Tony Zasimovich, Global Vertical Lead, Retail at DP World, speaks to SupplyChain Strategy to explore how supply chains can embrace the chaos and continue to thrive amidst geopolitical challenges and technological optimisation.
Can you share some background on yourself and the business?
Tony Zasimovich: “With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 114,000 employees, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain fit for the future. We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades. What’s more, we’re reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.
“I am a 30-year senior executive with extensive knowledge in Global Supply Chain Management, having worked for a number of transportation and third-party logistics providers during my career. Part of my experience includes being based in Hong Kong overseeing eight countries and the management teams that provided service for their top international clients as well and directing the effort to build up the network and company-owned infrastructure for China-based activity. This led to taking on a global role, managing the international services for APL Logistics, opening up new services in origin consolidation and domestic warehousing distribution, US-based deconsolidation activity and the ocean, air, customs house brokerage and e-commerce services. I also launched and managed the Global Retail vertical for APL Logistics serving the US, Asia, Europe and Latin America clients leading the team to achieve successful and the most profitable years for the company. Today, I have established my own consulting firm under AMZ Advisors offering a full spectrum of advisory and consulting services for both domestic and international clients needing help in their end-to-end supply chain network capabilities.”
What inspired you to get involved in logistics?
Tony Zasimovich: “I have always been fascinated by the role global logistics plays in making connections more seamless. Whether it was solving complex challenges like operational efficiencies to navigating geopolitical tensions, logistics for me isn’t just about moving goods from A to B, it’s about industry collaboration and working together to enable businesses and communities to receive what they need. Trade creates new and exciting opportunities that drive innovation and over time become the industry standard. I am proud to be a part of a business that plays a critical role in future-proofing supply chains and makes a tangible impact on businesses, communities, technology and the environment.”
What are you most looking forward to at Manifest 2025?
Tony Zasimovich: “Manifest 2025 is set to be one of the premier events in the annual calendar for the supply chain and logistics sector with industry executives, logistics service providers, innovators and investors all in attendance. With over 100 sessions that will focus on the critical challenges and solutions for end-to-end supply chain and logistics, it routinely showcases the best and brightest minds and ideas in the sector. As ever, DP World is looking forward to connecting with our industry peers and engaging with Manifest’s global network of thought leaders for the knowledge sharing and collaboration I believe is so crucial. It will be through insightful discussions and networking opportunities where we will learn more on the latest trends, technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of global supply chains. As the landscape continues to evolve, events and partnerships like Manifest help us to demonstrate in person, our commitment to solving complex challenges and future-proof global supply chains.”
How do you think events like Manifest are contributing to the overall evolution of supply chain and logistics? What makes it so special?
Tony Zasimovich: “It is through business engagement platforms and partnerships with the likes of Manifest that industry professionals play a critical role in driving the evolution of global supply chains forward. Industry events bring together thought leaders, technology providers, end-to-end logistics leaders and supply chain stakeholders to discuss the challenges they face, and exchange insights on how they are working to solve each challenge. Focusing on collaboration, Manifest provides an ideal space to share best practices and gain insights into trends that will continue to shape the future of supply chains. Face-to-face networking opportunities allow for transparent, open conversations on how supply chains will remain agile in an ever-changing landscape.”
What, broadly, do you think 2025 holds for the supply chain space?
Tony Zasimovich: “In 2025, we anticipate global supply chains will continue to be impacted by the changing environment around technological innovations, geopolitical dynamics and rising consumer demand. Supply chain and logistics leaders will continue to integrate artificial intelligence and automation technologies into their operations establishing real-time data to support decision-making, and ultimately streamlining operations end-to-end.
“As we are in an era of fragmentation, we expect geopolitical challenges, and technological optimisation to continue to drive the diversification of supply chains. Defined not only by disruption, but an increasing tendency towards protectionism, logistics and supply chain providers like DP World must prioritise supporting our customers to navigate new technology, legislation and trends like friendshoring, reshoring or nearshoring. We anticipate supply chain workers will become increasingly upskilled in managing automation and digitisation, to allow for supply chains to be smarter, more agile and prepared to navigate rapidly changing global landscapes.
“Whether flooding or droughts, supply chain disruption caused by climate change has become more cyclical, with increasingly severe knock-on effects for global trade in recent years including major trading routes along the Mississippi, Rhine, Yangtze rivers and the Panama Canal. Therefore, sustainability will continue to be a critical driver of evolving supply chains in 2025. Providers will adopt greener practices that reduce carbon footprints, embrace circular economy models and meet the environmental expectations of consumers. Businesses will continue to prioritise agility and work to build resilient supply chains to ensure global trade continues to flow. Overall, we anticipate supply chains to become smarter, more sustainable and agile through advanced technological integration, flexibility and resilience, industry collaboration and advanced workforce skills.”
What does 2025 hold for your business specifically?
Tony Zasimovich: “In 2025 we will continue to prioritise coopetition, adaptability and resilience. This includes shifting our ways of thinking, where collaboration and competition exist side by side, enabling businesses to optimise their operating models and respond to industry challenges more effectively. As an end-to-end logistics leader, we offer a deeply specialised infrastructure and service offering across an ever-expanding global footprint that supports our customers to adapt and grow while remaining resilient. We have end-to-end connectivity across a range of transport modes and will continue to invest in resilient infrastructure and digital tools, that offer integrated supply chain solutions for specific sector verticals to maximise efficiency. Expanding our logistics capabilities will enable us to navigate some of the uncertainties precipitated by geopolitical and supply chain challenges while expanding our offering to customers.
“We have committed to a series of environmental goals as part of our ‘Our World, Our Future’ sustainability strategy. We acknowledge the impact our operations have on the climate therefore we have committed to a reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Throughout 2025, we will continue to mitigate against climate disruptions and work with our stakeholders (consumers, investors and governments) so we have a clear roadmap for 2030.”
Learn more about DP World here.
- Sourcing & Procurement
