Saleh AlHariri is a distinguished corporate services and business operations professional with over 18 years of diverse experience spanning sectors such as manufacturing, FMCG, healthcare, logistics, insurance, and IT. Known for his exceptional strategic design and implementation skills, Saleh has spearheaded numerous projects that have significantly contributed to corporate growth and operational excellence. A highlight of his career includes leading the establishment of a Strategy Office for Acquisition and Mergers, which accelerated business expansion and optimized efficiencies, setting new industry benchmarks.
Throughout his career, Saleh has demonstrated a profound ability to manage organizational resistance and drive superior outcomes using critical strategic tools and frameworks. His meticulous planning and execution have consistently surpassed strategic goals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Moreover, Saleh’s operational expertise in steering strategies through PMO and TMO frameworks ensures flawless implementation. He is deeply committed to leadership development, promoting competencies that inspire teams, enhance decision-making, and adeptly manage change, thereby securing the enduring success and adaptability of his organization.
Currently, Saleh serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KDL Logistics.
The Company
KDL Logistics is a premier provider of comprehensive logistics solutions in Saudi Arabia established in 1980 to deliver tailored services, including transportation, warehousing, and digital logistics. With over 350 employees and a well-established logistics network, KDL supports businesses across a wide range of industries.
Key Milestones and Achievements:
1. Infrastructure and Capacity:
- Managing over 90,000 square meters of storage space across strategic locations.
- Operating through 6 seaports and 5 airports, ensuring seamless connectivity.
- A fleet of over 250 trucks and equipment tailored for diverse transportation needs.
2. Operational Excellence:
- Handling more than 30,000 shipments annually while maintaining high service standards.
- Serving over 10,000 satisfied customers with innovative logistics solutions.
3. Innovation and Technology:
- Integrating advanced technologies such as real-time tracking to enhance operational efficiency.
- Implementing digital tools that streamline processes and improve client experiences.
4. Sustainability and Vision 2030:
- Adopting eco-friendly transportation practices to reduce environmental impact.
- Contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enhancing logistics infrastructure and promoting economic diversification.
KDL’s journey reflects a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, positioning the company as a trusted partner in the logistics industry.
Addressing the Industry Challenges
The logistics industry in the region presents unique challenges, including technological gaps, fluctuating market demands, and the need for sustainable operations. KDL Logistics has effectively turned these challenges into opportunities through innovation and adaptability.
- Technological Gaps: The lack of digital infrastructure in the local market initially hindered efficiency and transparency. To overcome this, we invested in advanced technology, such as real-time tracking systems, providing end-to-end visibility and optimizing operations.
- Fluctuating Market Demands: During disruptions like the pandemic, we implemented an agile operational model, allowing us to scale services quickly and meet the evolving needs of our 10,000+ customers.
- Sustainability: We incorporated eco-friendly practices into our operations, aligning with Vision 2030 and meeting growing expectations for sustainable logistics solutions.
- Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with global leaders allowed us to introduce international best practices, reinforcing our position as a logistics pioneer in the region.
“By emphasizing innovation, flexibility, and collaboration, KDL has consistently exceeded expectations, delivering best-in-class logistics and supply chain solutions while acting as a trusted partner in the success of our clients,” says Saleh.
Empowering Clients
KDL Logistics empowers its clients with innovative solutions to navigate the digital landscape while leveraging social media to enhance their business.
- Digital Logistics Support:
- Real-time tracking systems offer clients full visibility across 6 seaports and 5 airports, covering over 30,000 shipments annually.
- Digital platforms facilitate seamless interaction between clients, suppliers, and customers, improving efficiency.
- Social Media Integration:
- Real-Time Updates: KDL helps clients integrate logistics data, such as delivery timelines, into social media platforms, fostering trust and engagement.
- Content Strategies: Its experts provide insights to enhance social media presence, aligning it with logistics and customer engagement goals.
- Brand Advocacy: Through reliable service, it amplifies positive customer feedback, strengthening its brand reputation.
“By blending cutting-edge technology with tailored strategies, we enable clients to optimize their operations and build stronger connections in the digital age,” shares Saleh.
Effective Success Measurement
KDL Logistics employs a holistic approach to measuring the success and impact of its campaigns and projects by combining qualitative and quantitative metrics with robust governance practices. This ensures that every initiative is executed with transparency, accountability, and a clear alignment to its strategic goals.
Key Metrics for Success:
- Operational Efficiency: KDL assesses improvements in delivery times, cost optimization, and overall supply chain performance to ensure that our solutions meet and exceed client expectations.
- Customer Satisfaction: Using tools like client surveys, feedback mechanisms, and Net Promoter Scores (NPS), it gauges client satisfaction and loyalty, enabling it to refine its services for continuous improvement.
- Technology Integration: KDL evaluates the adoption and effectiveness of digital tools such as real-time tracking systems and data analytics in enhancing visibility and optimizing operations.
- Sustainability Impact: KDL measures the success of its sustainable practices, ensuring alignment with environmental goals and evolving market demands.
Governance as a Cornerstone
Governance plays a critical role in how KDL Logistics manages and measures its campaigns and projects. Implementing structured governance frameworks ensures:
- Accountability: Clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms for every project.
- Transparency: Open communication with all stakeholders to track progress and address challenges proactively.
- Compliance: Adherence to industry standards, regulations, and ethical practices.
- Continuous Improvement: It conducts regular review sessions with both clients and internal teams to:
- Monitor progress against defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Identify opportunities for innovation and enhancement.
- Foster a culture of learning and adaptability to achieve long-term success.
By integrating governance with data-driven metrics and a client-focused approach, KDL Logistics ensures that every project not only delivers measurable value but also aligns with the company’s vision for sustainable and impactful growth.
Creating a Creative Environment
At KDL Logistics, fostering a creative and collaborative environment is at the heart of the organizational culture. The company believes that innovation and teamwork drive success, and it implements several strategies to support this:
1. Empowering Employees: KDL encourages team members to take ownership of their ideas and projects, providing them with the tools and autonomy needed to innovate.
2. Open Communication: It maintains an open-door policy, ensuring that every team member feels heard and valued. Regular brainstorming sessions and cross-functional meetings help spark new ideas.
3. Continuous Learning: By offering training programs, workshops, and access to industry resources, KDL enables its team to stay ahead of trends and develop creative solutions.
4. Recognition and Rewards: The company celebrates successes and recognizes contributions, fostering motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
5. Technology and Collaboration Tools: Utilizing digital platforms to facilitate seamless collaboration, even for remote teams, ensuring everyone remains connected and productive.
This approach not only enhances creativity and collaboration but also ensures that the team is aligned with the company’s vision of delivering innovative logistics solutions.
Expanding the Reach
KDL Logistics is implementing a phased expansion strategy, starting with Saudi Arabia as the primary focus, followed by growth across the Gulf region. Guided by an Agile approach, it aims to achieve its goals efficiently and effectively through three core strategies:
1. Strategic Hubs: Strengthening logistics hubs in key locations across Saudi Arabia, with plans to gradually expand. Advanced technologies will be integrated to enhance operational efficiency and adaptability to evolving market demands.
2.Partnerships: Building strong alliances with regional businesses and government entities to deliver seamless, high-quality logistics solutions that meet international standards.
3. Sustainability and Innovation: Embedding sustainable practices and adopting cutting-edge technologies aligned with Vision 2030, ensuring environmental efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
“By focusing on Saudi Arabia as the foundation for growth, we are committed to developing innovative solutions tailored to local market needs. This gradual expansion into the Gulf and the Middle East positions KDL Logistics as a key player in the region’s evolving logistics landscape. Our Agile methodology ensures that we remain adaptable and responsive to market changes while driving lasting impact,” shares Saleh.
Technology as an Enabler
Technology plays a pivotal role in KDL Logistics’ approach to marketing and communications, enabling it to reach, engage, and serve its clients more effectively. Here’s how it leverages technology in these areas:
1. Data-Driven Insights: KDL uses advanced analytics tools to study market trends, customer preferences, and performance metrics. This helps it create targeted marketing campaigns and refine its messaging to meet client needs.
2. Digital Platforms: Through social media, content marketing, and digital advertising, KDL maintains a strong online presence, ensuring its services reach the right audience. Real-time engagement tools allow it to interact directly with clients and address their queries promptly.
3.Customer Relationship Management (CRM): By integrating CRM systems and creating unique accounts for its clients in its custom platform, KDL enhances the customer experience by enabling them to track their shipments and access all necessary services in one place. This personalized approach ensures transparency and convenience.
4. Innovative Storytelling: The company utilizes digital media to showcase its expertise and success stories through videos, infographics, and case studies, reinforcing its brand as a leader in logistics innovation.
By embracing technology, KDL Logistics not only enhances its marketing and communication strategies but also builds stronger, long-lasting connections with its clients.
Exceeding Client Expectations
At KDL Logistics, exceeding client expectations is a cornerstone of the company’s mission. Saleh and the team achieve this through a combination of tailored solutions, advanced technology, and a client-centric approach. Here’s how they ensure exceptional service:
1.Customized Solutions: They take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and challenges, crafting bespoke logistics strategies that align with their business goals.
2.Technology Integration: By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as real-time tracking and automated systems, team KDL provides seamless, transparent, and efficient operations.
3.Proactive Communication: They maintain open and consistent communication with their clients, offering regular updates and real-time insights into logistics operations to ensure transparency and trust.
4. Continuous Improvement: Through client feedback and performance reviews, they consistently refine their processes to deliver enhanced value and stay ahead of industry trends.
5. Dedicated Support Teams: KDL’s expert teams are available to address any concerns, provide solutions, and ensure smooth operations at all times.
By prioritizing innovation, adaptability, and collaboration, they not only meet their clients’ expectations but often surpass them, building long-lasting partnerships based on trust and excellence.
New Year, New Goals
At KDL Logistics, Saleh and his team’s goal for the next five years is to solidify their position as a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, while gradually expanding into the broader Middle East and international markets. They aim to deliver innovative, efficient, and technology-driven services supported by robust governance practices, all in alignment with Vision 2030.
Steps to Achieve This Goal:
1. Regional and International Expansion:
• Strengthening their presence in Saudi Arabia by developing strategic logistics hubs.
2. Enhancing Governance for Transparency and Effectiveness:
• Strengthening KDL’s governance framework to ensure transparency and accountability across all operations.
• Conduct regular reviews of projects and operations to maintain full compliance with local and international standards, building trust with clients and partners.
• Embedding governance principles in decision-making processes to ensure efficient and sustainable resource management.
3.Investing in Advanced Technology:
• Leveraging cutting-edge tools for predictive insights, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and IoT to improve connectivity and operational performance.
•Enhancing customer experiences with real-time tracking and innovative digital solutions.
4. Providing Comprehensive and Integrated Solutions:
• Expanding their service offerings to cover all aspects of the supply chain, from transportation and warehousing to digital logistics solutions.
• Delivering tailored, end-to-end solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive customer satisfaction.
5. Driving Efficiency and Sustainability:
• Reducing KDL’s carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly practices and sustainable technologies.
• Optimizing resource utilization to enhance operational efficiency and speed of delivery.
6. Developing Talent and Expertise:
• Investing in advanced training programs to ensure the workforce remains agile and equipped with the latest industry knowledge.
• Encouraging innovation and strategic thinking within the teams to drive excellence in operations.
“By integrating innovation, technology, governance, and sustainability, we aim to be a key enabler of excellence in logistics, supporting local and regional businesses in achieving growth. Our vision is to deliver value-driven services built on transparency, efficiency, and customer-centricity, establishing KDL Logistics as a leader in the logistics industry and ensuring sustainable growth for years to come,” concludes Saleh.