#16: Marco Civardi Managing Director Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos at Damco

In this episode of the Leaders in Supply Chain and Logistics podcast, host R Palam Mario interviews Marco Civardi, the Area Managing Director for Damco covering Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

About Damco

Damco is recognized as one of the leading third-party logistics providers globally, offering customized freight forwarding and supply chain solutions. The company operates over 300 offices worldwide, employing approximately 11,000 people. With a significant net turnover of $ 33.2 billion, Damco is an integral part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, the largest shipping line worldwide.

Marco Civardi's Experience

Marco brings extensive experience to his role, having previously served as the Regional Head of the Fashion Vertical for the Asia-Pacific division of Panalpina, where he was based in Tokyo. His career has allowed him to resonate with various cultures through his work in Italy, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan. He holds an MBA from The Macquarie Graduate School of Management in Sydney and a certificate in supply chain management from the Cranfield School of Management in the UK.

Market Insights

Marco shares valuable insights into the markets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

Vietnam: Over the past years, Vietnam has seen strong growth primarily driven by exports and foreign direct investment. The country is diversifying its export base beyond textiles and garments, with significant investments in technology from major companies like Samsung and many Japanese firms.
Cambodia: While Cambodia is experiencing growth, it is less dynamic than Vietnam, with a continued reliance on garments for economic growth. Observations on strong wage growth raise questions regarding the country's future economic diversification.
Myanmar: Marco excitingly describes Myanmar as a growth "tiger," highlighting the increasing number of affluent consumers, projecting 10 million by 2025 out of a 50 million population.

Opportunities & Challenges

According to Marco, while the potential in these Emerging Markets outmatches the challenges, there are still hurdles to overcome:

Opportunities:
- Act as an enabler for customer business strategies.
- Upskill the local workforce through extensive training programs.
- Leverage cultural diversity across the cluster as a source of learning and engagement for employees.
Challenges:
- Infrastructure inadequacies, particularly in ports and roads, affecting growth pace.
- Difficulty in finding qualified local talent, compounded by comparatively lower labor mobility.

Technology & Continuous Improvement

Marco elaborates on the use of technology in logistics through the MYDCO system, which optimizes tracking and reporting for improved customer service. He underscores how continuous improvement (CI) is ingrained in Damco’s operational mindset, with efforts focused on productivity enhancement, resource sharing during peak seasons, and fostering a culture of feedback.

Leadership Principles

Marco emphasizes the importance of "constant care" in leading teams, advocating teamwork and communication. He encourages feedback across levels and recognizes that being a strong leader represents service, enhancing the holistic organization.

Career Transition

Marco discusses his transition from a functional role to a leadership position, emphasizing curiosity, determination, and effective delegation as key factors for success. He acknowledges the importance of having mentors and a clear business plan during this transition.

Career Advice

For recent university graduates aspiring to build a successful career in logistics, Marco advises choosing a company with a strong purpose and values. He suggests gaining diverse experiences, adapting to different environments, and continuously learning languages to ride the wave of opportunities within the logistics sector.

Keywords

Supply Chain
Logistics
Emerging Markets
Continuous Improvement
Technology
Leadership
Talent Management
Transportation

FAQ

What roles has Marco Civardi held in the logistics industry?
Marco has held positions such as Regional Head of the Fashion Vertical for Asia-Pacific at Panalpina, and he currently serves as the Area Managing Director for Damco.
What are the key challenges faced in Emerging Markets according to Marco?
Key challenges include infrastructure inadequacies and difficulties in finding qualified talents due to lower labor mobility.
How does Damco enhance customer service through technology?
Through the MYDCO system, which integrates various functionalities, allowing customers to streamline their reporting and tracking tasks.
What leadership principles does Marco follow?
He emphasizes "constant care," effective teamwork, communication, and creating a feedback-rich environment.
What advice does Marco give to new graduates in logistics?
He advises choosing a company with strong values, gaining diverse experiences, and focusing on adaptability and continuous learning.