40 Years Strong: Ravinder Sethi on R E Rogers’ Legacy and Future

The biggest challenge in the early years was the lack of opportunity. There simply wasn’t enough business and many thought my vision was unrealistic.

From four to six exhibitions a year, we are today involved in almost three hundred annually. And from the initial five people, we are today two hundred pan India. We proudly became market leaders in a sector that we helped define in India.

TFT: R E Rogers India is celebrating 40 years of operations in India. How would you reflect on this journey, from its inception in 1986 to becoming a market leader in specialised logistics?

RS: This journey cannot be reflected in a few words, considering my ambition in life was to become an Economics Professor. Destiny had its own plans, taking me initially to the private sector, then into business to become a market leader in specialised logistics. It was God’s will for which I have no regrets and am eternally grateful.

I could write a book reflecting on these 40 years. The most prominent was the strength from my family (especially my wife) and my colleagues (our Rogers Family) who blindly supported my vision on exhibition logistics.

TFT: When you look back at the early days of the company, what were some of the biggest challenges in establishing exhibition logistics in India?

RS: The biggest challenge in the early years was the lack of opportunity. There simply wasn’t enough business and many thought my vision was unrealistic.

From four to six exhibitions a year, we are today involved in almost three hundred annually. And from the initial five people, we are today two hundred pan India. We proudly became market leaders in a sector that we helped define in India.

TFT: As Chairman and Managing Director, what leadership principles have guided you through these four decades?

RS: My leadership principles, or ‘mantras’, guiding me through these four decades:

– Lead the way and set the rules.

– ⁠Set quality standards for others to follow.

– ⁠Keep pace with the technical and digital revolution.

– Follow non-negotiable sustainability standards.

– ⁠Maintain relationships, both internally and externally.

– ⁠Retain our culture and humility.

TFT: R E Rogers India is often described as one of the most comprehensive logistics providers in the country. What differentiates R.E. Rogers from other logistics players in such a competitive market?

RS: I mentioned earlier of the ‘mantras’ for our success. Others may profess to follow them as well, but for sure nobody does it as we do.

The credit for that goes to ALL our colleagues (the Rogers Family) who put everything in place. Their commitment, dedication, and professionalism is absolutely unparalleled – not just in India but globally.

I acknowledge everyone and mention the top team by name: Kiran Sethi, Sudhir Dhavan, Sushil Upadhyay, Manoj Kumar, Lalita Singh. They rock!!

TFT: Exhibition logistics is a highly specialised domain. How has this segment evolved over the years, and how has your company adapted to these changes?

RS: Exhibition logistics was, is, and will always remain the personalised service it’s known for. We ensure correct documentation for clearances, move boxes to/from, and provide a special handling service on site.

What has changed over time, however, has been a strong focus on sustainability, higher communication levels, and advanced office systems in place.

TFT: You work closely with international organisers, governments, and trade bodies. How important is global collaboration in your operations today?

RS: Global collaboration is not only important, but critical in providing a platinum level combined operations service.

We are proud to have age old global partners, who like us, are committed to providing high quality sustainable services at competitive prices.

TFT: What are the biggest operational or regulatory challenges currently facing the logistics industry in India?

RS: The regulatory challenges are getting lesser by the day. Indian Customs are becoming more and more customer friendly towards exhibition cargo in today’s date.

The biggest operational challenges today come from within the industry. Many organizers are drastically reducing buildup and breakdown days. This often poses serious health and safety concerns, especially when having to work around the clock.

TFT: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for R E Rogers India over the next decade?

RS: During Covid, exhibitions closed completely. This was a very serious blow as exhibitions accounted for almost 80 percent of our revenues.

Luckily customs and ports/ airports were open during Covid being essential services. To survive, we started focusing immediately more on our other smaller verticals – special import/export cargo, free trade zone services, live/sports events, and defence projects.

My long term vision for RE Rogers in the coming decade is to become market leaders, as we are for exhibition logistics for these verticals as well.

TFT: What continues to motivate you as a leader after four decades in such a dynamic and demanding industry?

RS: Logistics is in the DNA and adrenaline comes from my Rogers Family being the backbone in motivating me all the time.

TFT: As you celebrate this 40-year milestone, what message would you like to share with your clients, partners, and the industry at large?

RS: A very big Thank You to our clients, partners, and industry at large for their confidence and support in our four decades journey.

And a huge gratitude to the Almighty for keeping his Hand on us and to ensure that we always stay on the path of humility.