Tatiana is a logistics professional with extensive experience in the industry, having held various sales positions and P&L responsibilities. She joined Hellmann as a Branch Manager in 2020, where she manages a team in Miami and oversees all product lines. Tatiana enjoys working with her team to create and execute strategies, diversifying the customer portfolio, and promoting employee engagement, while also enjoying traveling and dancing in her free time.

Hi Tatiana, you started at Hellmann 2 years ago. Tell us about your background and how you found your way to Hellmann.

My career in the industry began back in 2001 in my country Colombia as an apprentice to a Swiss Forwarder. I ended up getting a degree in International Trade (2 years program) and one in Business Administration (5 years). I had the opportunity to rotate in all the areas within the company and then jumped into multiple sales positions at another forwarder: Trade Lane Manager, Sales Manager, and Regional Customer Manager for Engineering and Manufacturing sector. Then, one day, I decided to lead big teams with P&L responsibility and became the Air Freight Manager leading a group of +20 people. Later, in 2020: I received a call from Hellmann and got very excited about what the company was offering regarding the Branch Management position and here I am. 2 years later, I continue being part of the Hellmann F.A.M.I.L.Y.

What are your main responsibilities in your role?

My main responsibility is to lead a great team of professionals within the Miami Branch and manage the whole P&L from the branch, which includes all products, Air, Sea, Domestic, Brokerage, and Warehousing.

Why Hellmann?

After managing an Air Freight Product, I felt ready to take the next step in my career and Hellmann offered me that next level that I needed – They gave me this opportunity and I am very grateful for that. I had a good feeling during the panel interview and when I joined Hellmann, I got a great connection with the culture, with the synergies between areas, and the most important component: the connection with my team. It has been an interesting learning curve, since coming from managing just one product to managing multiple ones is challenging but rewarding at the same time.

How has working at Hellmann helped you develop professionally and personally?

Leading a team during COVID was one of the most challenging experiences and helped me to be more sensitive and to continue recognizing that what matters the most is our people and Hellmann was there to guide me in specific circumstances. I was also part of a Leadership program sponsored by the company, which helped me grow professionally and personally. Hellmann allowed me to take lead in working with a multicultural and diverse team and I can say that the management team has been very supportive since the beginning.

What is your favorite part of the job?

To create, define and execute. To have discussions and brainstorm with my direct team on what we can improve and how. To see the great things that we have done for the Miami Branch and especially to work hard on the diversification of our customer's portfolio.  

What are your main objectives at your branch for the new year?

My main goals for this year are to continue to strengthen our Renewable and Energy Control Tower and continue being the best option for our Cruise and Marine customers. Also, to grow volumes, and customers portfolio, develop new lanes, and most importantly: continue working on employee engagement, can-do attitude, and not get boring.

What do you do for fun?

I love to dance, travel with my family, and discover new places. Since 2008, I do at least one trip a year to a new location and I try to do at least one trip with my parents, since they live in Colombia.

Thank you for your time, Tatiana!