Ben O'Dowd Email & Phone Number

Singapore

Singapore

I manage the product strategy and P&L for Customs Services in Asia, encompassing both customs brokerage and trade consulting. My role includes driving growth in the region through pipeline development, management of third-party vendors, pricing strategies, introducing technology and visibility solutions, sales enablement and external client events.

Singapore

Covering the APAC region, I develop & execute product strategy for the growth of Customs Services, together with a team of dedicated Product Managers. I drive commercial success of the product by maintaining competitiveness in the market through innovative solution offerings, executing strategic initiatives and training internal Sales teams on customs brokerage and trade compliance. Having direct interaction with global key customers, I engage in strategic RFQs and complex proposals to improve the product’s win ratio.

Singapore

Managed external brokerage vendors for goods bound for AWS Data Centers in the APAC region, applying and communicating customs and tax regulations to improve performance. Undertook extensive data analysis and corrective action planning for both internal and external teams, while driving innovative, new-region programs requiring cross-functional, internal and external engagement, including the launch of AWS’ Indonesia Data Center in 2020.

Singapore

Managed regulatory changes affecting UPS cross-border operations across APAC via strategic engagement with customs, other government agencies and industry bodies.Developed APAC-wide trade compliance programs, a machine learning tool which proactively identified high-risk shipments in the UPS network, and a self-audit program covering bonded warehousing, trucking compliance and free trade zone operations.Completed on-site audits of Transportation, Contract Logistics and Healthcare operations, including the handling of restricted/prohibited goods.

Singapore

Managed communication of key policy changes both internally and externally which affected UPS’ APAC brokerage operations, along with engagement of customs authorities and other government agencies to influence policy design.Advised internal stakeholders on how to comply and incorporate regulatory changes into daily operations, completing frequent on-site audits of brokerage operations teams and third-party agents, covering all aspects of business function including customs examinations, accuracy of declarations and warehouse operations.Designed a regulatory change management initiative, focusing on customs regulations across APAC and proactive engagement with government officials.

Australia And Singapore

Researched and advised on trade, economic, environmental, industry, data privacy and regulatory policy issues, with a particular focus on ASEAN markets, including non-tariff barriers.Designed, planned, and executed advocacy campaign strategies across both government and media, implementing an ASEAN campaign focusing on discriminatory excise taxation in the automotive industry.

Australia

Government relations, including with senior ministers and agencies, and advising on and research in all areas of public policy in Australia and New Zealand.Crisis management, including during the shutdown of General Motors’ facilities in Australia, and a significant contributor to several public submissions to the federal government, including a high-visibility review into the Australian automotive industry.

Assisted commercial and property law departments, gaining knowledge of construction and property sectors while developing advanced understanding of legislation, legislative processes and contracts.

Bachelor Of Commerce (Bcom), Commercial Law, Marketing And Middle East Politics

Diploma Of Customs Broking

Currently working towards becoming a licensed Customs Broker.