Ismail Mahmud

Managing Director Vopak Middle East RHQ

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About

Multi-lingual and culturally astute commercial leader with extensive international experience in the energy and chemicals industries and related logistics. Proven ability to create cross cultural relationships and deliver a value proposition that meets consensus. Significant worldwide business development and commercial experience in bulk storage and logistics of chemicals, gas and oil products that serve petrochemical production complexes for their feed and rundown activity. Passionate about building long-term, mutually beneficial business partnerships through joint ventures and board memberships. Excellent communicator and connector, with the gravitas to influence and lead others effectively.

Experience

  • Managing Director Vopak Middle East RHQ at Royal Vopak of the Netherlands
    Feb 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

  • Vopak Country Manager Pakistan & Chief Executive at Engro Vopak Terminal Limited and Engro Elengy Terminal Ltd
    Jul 2022 - Jan 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Vopak (23 yrs 10 mos)
    • Global Chemicals Director
      Apr 2011 - Jun 2022 · 11 yrs 3 mos

      Located at Head Office in Rotterdam for 6 years until 4/2018, then in Singapore to present day. Responsible for a global network strategy of 43 chemical tank storage terminals with annual revenues exceeding €1 billion. Leading the worldwide strategy for chemical sales and business development teams, I am accountable for: • Leading development and implementation of Vopak’s global Chemicals and Industrial Terminals strategy, serving petchem complexes and plants for their feedstock and rundown activity. Key projects included locations in Singapore, Jubail, Pengerang, China & USGC. • Identifying the optimum Vopak terminal footprint and creating opportunities for growth, particularly at cracker and refinery sites • Managing global relationships with key accounts for negotiations and customer interface which include ExxonMobil, Dow, Shell, Petronas, Sabic, Covestro and BASF • Maintaining relationships with key industry stakeholders including government bodies, consultants, associations and alliances • Conducting market intelligence activities in the global chemicals industry, identifying key opportunities and challenges; major trends in project development and incentives of different players to establish petchem complexes • Primary expertise in global/regional chemical markets: demand, supply & product flows • Membership of the Vopak Global Commercial Leadership Team since 2008 • Representing Vopak as Member of European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) Supply Chain Committee since 2014. Active member of GPCA, AFPM and WPC global platforms • Vopak Board Member at selected terminal companies, with special focus on Middle East players where Vopak maintains significant Joint Venture relationships with Sabic/Aramco and Engro.

    • Commercial Director Asia Pacific
      Jan 2008 - Apr 2011 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      Responsible for a €750M top line for AME division network of 14 tank storage terminals in 10 countries and to develop & maintain relationships with major global and regional customers • Developed & implemented a commercial and network strategy for Vopak Asia, covering all products – Oil, Chemicals, Gases.

    • Commercial Director Singapore
      Feb 2006 - Dec 2007 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Responsible for heading sales and marketing for VTS, leading team of 10 account managers handling Oil and Chemical Customers. • Total portfolio of about €240 M spread over four Singapore terminals – two on Jurong Island, Pulau Sebarok and Penjuru. • Concluded long term industrial contracts on Jurong Island serving plants for their feedstock and rundown products.

  • Business Planning Manager at Engro Chemical (Formerly ExxonMobil affiliate)
    May 1990 - Aug 1998 · 8 yrs 4 mos

    In a period of 8 years with this former ExxonMobil affiliate, held roles in • New Ventures Business Development to establish a green field PVC project (2 years) • Finance & Planning team to undertake full scale corporate planning activities (4 years) • Secretary of the Employees Trust to manage employee share ownership and launch stock option programs for incumbents upon ExxonMobil’s divestment. (2 years)

  • Account Manager Corporate Banking at American Express Bank International
    Jan 1987 - Apr 1990 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Managed a portfolio of corporate accounts and responsible for developing new business • Developed credit proposals for banking facilities and managed relationships.