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Institutional profile
I am a Dubai-based executive and strategic advisor. My work combines trade corridor vision at government level with the operational discipline it takes to run cargo, contracts and people every day.
I started in business development in Azerbaijan in the mid-1990s, negotiating international trade and supply agreements, representing companies before government bodies and helping build the transport links freight forwarding depends on. I went on to run B2B distribution as a general manager, then founded and led Optimal Shipping Group for fourteen years, growing it into a six-country logistics and freight forwarding group.
In 2023 I handed over management of the group to work at a broader international level. Since then I have advised logistics and investment companies in Dubai and, since 2024, built a greenfield supply chain department for a German engineering company delivering to major projects in Saudi Arabia.
My training is in law and international relations, which shapes how I approach corridors and joint ventures: as agreements between parties with different interests, not only as routes on a map.
In his own words
A short personal note on building logistics businesses and corridors across the region.
Operating principles
Five commitments behind every mandate, whether it is a corridor concept, a new logistics company or an interim executive role.
Mandates, parties and numbers stay confidential. A mutual NDA can be signed before the first substantive conversation.
BasisWork at intergovernmental level: the Beijing signings, port-group and consortium memoranda.
Advice comes from running freight, warehousing and customs, not from slides. Every recommendation is tested against how cargo actually moves.
Basis14 years as founding CEO of Optimal Shipping Group across six countries.
Routes, hubs and partnerships are judged on where trade will flow in three to five years, not only on today’s rates.
BasisBelt and Road and North–South corridor work; a reference letter: “sees the market three to five years ahead”.
Negotiations are led directly with decision makers — ministries, state operators, ports and investors — in English, Russian, Turkish or Azerbaijani.
BasisAdvisor to DP World and RZD Logistics; memoranda with AD Ports Group.
The goal is a structure, process and team that runs without me: clear P&L ownership, system-based controls and people trusted to take initiative.
BasisGreenfield supply chain department at CDC Chain Drive; in-house ERP with 40% less manual processing.
Operational journey
From trade agreements in Baku to a six-country logistics group and project logistics for Saudi Arabia.
2024 – present
CDC Chain Drive GmbH · German engineering & logistics · Dubai
2023 – 2024
SORP Investment LLC & SORP Logistics LLC · Dubai
2009 – 2023
Optimal Shipping Group LLC · Dubai; Middle East, Asia-Pacific, CIS
2005 – 2009
Karandash LLC / ICM Group · Baku
1995 – 2005
Various companies · Azerbaijan
Endorsements
Signed letters from shipping, freight and infrastructure leaders across the UAE, Europe and South Asia. Select a letter to read it in full.
“I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Samir Ismayilov for any senior logistics, project cargo, or commercial management role.”
Logistics Consultant to Blue Bell Shipping for projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — contributing to projects with a combined turnover exceeding USD 3.5 million over two years.
“Samir has strategic instinct: he sees the market three to five years ahead and is not afraid to invest in infrastructure and trends long before they become obvious.”
Recommended as CEO, partner, board member or trustee in jurisdictions and industries that demand the highest business ethics and leadership scale.
“He proved able to deeply understand complex requests and turn them into technological, practical and scalable solutions for new routes and new conditions.”
Partnership on the North–South international route linking Jebel Ali and Vorsino, structured as an international consortium.
“He has been helpful in facilitating introductions, sharing market information, and exploring potential business opportunities.”
Professional contact since the Eurasian Economic Forum, Minsk, June 2025.
Cross-cultural diplomacy
Direct negotiation across the key jurisdictions of the corridors, without intermediaries.
Institutional governance
Procurement, finance, tax, operations and customs credentials on a foundation of law and international relations. Select a certificate to view it.
Confidential channel
Advisory mandates, board and project roles, corridor and JV initiatives. Every request is read and answered personally.
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