Features

Levelling Up

After a record period of growth and demand, Körber Supply Chain is strengthening its position by recruiting further expertise across its software portfolio. 

When Nishan Wijemanne, Managing Director APAC at Körber Supply Chain, first started Cohesio Group, the technology start-up that was acquired by Körber Supply Chain in 2019, he emphasised that the success of the business was because of the larger team – not one individual. 

“It’s a bit like a band and I’m the front man, people pat me on the back but really it’s the entire team that make things happen,” Nishan told MHD in June 2019. 

However, Nishan’s commitment to his team and growing their skills and capabilities has not changed.

“We have our legacy team, but at the same time we’re always growing our team and capabilities. These new appointments across our software division will support us in continuing to partner with our customers to drive innovation and conquer complexity in their supply chains,” Nishan says. 

Körber is dedicated to growth and investment – whether that’s in products, infrastructure or people. 

“While we broaden our portfolio across the APAC region, we are building the team to go with it. With the industry moving so quickly and rising demand from our customers, we know we need the best talent in the industry to quickly adapt and innovate, and support our partners while they navigate through this period of significant growth and transformation,” Nishan says. 

He explains that this is just the beginning for Körber Supply Chain APAC. “This is not a stop-gap approach for us. We recognise that to really grow and continue to service our custom-ers with the partnership approach we pride ourselves on, we need to build the capabilities in-house and on the ground here in Asia Pacific. For us, this isn’t just about being reactive to the growth we’re experiencing, but a strategic direction to continue to grow and build the best capabilities across the region,” he says. 

Körber offers a broad portfolio of software products, including Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transport Management System (TMS) and retail solutions. Integration across these solutions with Körber’s broader portfolio is a major priority for Nish. 

“The industry can expect great synergies across our technologies including software, Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs), Android Voice and mobility solutions we are offering our customers the opportunity to go on the journey with us as we push the boundaries of supply chain modernisation and digitisation,” Nish says. 

This is also a key focus in Körber’s recruitment strategy. “Our unique proposition is that we can provide our customers with solutions across their entire operation, so we want the team to mirror that in their capabilities and knowledge,” he says. 

For Nishan, this new investment in people is part of a long-term growth strategy for Körber. 

“We work with our customers on strategy that goes well into 2025. The supply chain is not just about the distribution centre anymore, it’s so much more and as an integration partner across software, automation and voice solutions we can help guide our customers through this transformation,” he says. 

The new appointments currently include Anthony Beavis as General Manager ANZ at Körber Supply Chain, and Suman Shetty as Implementation Consultant at Körber Supply Chain Software, as well as an internal appointment for Lee Andrews.  

Meet Anthony Beavis 

Anthony will join Körber Supply Chain as General Manager ANZ on 15 April. Anthony is a creative and dynamic leader with more than 15 years’ experience in international sales management. His experience includes working for global manufacturers, national distributors and solutions providers. 

Most recently, Anthony was a part of the executive team for ANZ Voice Solutions at Honeywell. For Anthony, joining Körber presents a unique opportunity to work across the entire breadth of the supply chain. 

“Körber’s broad portfolio is quite unique. From robotics, to WMS and software it’s very exciting to be a part of an organisation that can partner with customers across every aspect of the supply chain,” he says. 

Anthony thinks the market is looking for a partner who can do everything. 

“A lot of people can do one part of the puzzle, but it’s extremely rare to be able to offer software, voice, automation and everything in between,” he says. 

Coming from a strong voice and software background, Anthony sees Android Voice as a real disruptor to the industry and references the recent launch of Körber’s Android Voice solution on a pay-as-you-go model as the true game-changer. 

“In supply chain you have so many peaks and troughs, we’ve got Christmas, Easter and online shopping days. It’s imperative to be able to scale up and down when needed. I think offering Android Voice on a subscription basis will open this solution up to many more businesses – large and small,” he says. 

Anthony also complements Nishan in building such a dynamic and driven team. 

“At Körber you can find the best talent in the industry. From headhunting the top talent, to developing the next generation of leaders and supply chain pioneers, the calibre of the team at Körber is what sets us apart,” he says. 

Meet Suman Shetty

Suman Shetty has a background in finance and initially worked for a number of years in finance consulting. After completing a Master’s degree in supply chain management, Suman began working as a WMS consultant. 

“My passion lies in collaborating in a team and truly understanding what problems customers are facing and how a WMS can help solve these,” she says. 

Suman says the market is heading into exploring a full breadth of supply chain capabilities and technology. “These days customers are looking at AMR, robot and hardware to complement and get the most out of their WMS investment,” she says. 

This shift in the industry was largely the driving force for Suman joining Körber Supply Chain. “I want to grow as a WMS consultant, I want to be an expert in my field and I know that Körber will give me the opportunity to grow and expand my skill set,” she says. 

Suman will join Körber Supply Chain as Implementation Consultant at Körber Supply Chain Software and be based in the Sydney office. 

Meet Lee Andrews 

Lee Andrews has more than 20 years’ experience in warehouse, supply chain and 3PL operations. He has been with Körber since the Cohesio days where he worked on major AMR deployments for the organisation. 

Lee’s new role is Professional Services Lead – APAC at Körber Supply Chain Software. As he makes a move to head up the Professional Services Department, Lee’s goal is to build a team and skillset to further disrupt the industry.

For more information on Körber, click here

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