A.P. Moller Maersk Operations Lead Featured in CITP Spotlight
Sajal Takhi earned his elite CITP®|FIBP® designation in August 2024, a milestone that solidifies his standing in the complex world of international logistics. This achievement represents the culmination of years of professional dedication and academic rigor, marking him as a Certified International Trade Professional within the industry.
From Imports to Operations
Takhi’s career spans over seven years in asset-based transportation. Before joining A.P. Moller – Maersk, he managed cross-border operations between Canada and the United States, handling everything from customs documentation to financial risk analysis. His academic background includes a Master’s in Finance, which he uses to balance operational demands with strategic planning. This unique blend of skills allows him to handle the intricacies of global trade, from handling customs clearance documentation to resolving business disputes. Through this work, he became fascinated by the complexities of global trade, whether it was managing financial risks associated with international transactions or optimizing operations to maximize profitability.
He started his professional life at age 19, working as a newcomer to Canada. At the time, he struggled to connect with colleagues in a diverse workplace. His supervisor gave him simple but lasting advice: to succeed, one must understand the needs and challenges of both customers and coworkers. That lesson stuck with him. “Recognizing this, my supervisor told me that to succeed professionally, it was essential to understand the needs and challenges of both customers and colleagues. This advice profoundly impacted me at an early stage in my career, prompting me to cultivate emotional intelligence and empathy.”
Today, Takhi applies that empathy to his role as Operations Team Lead. He coordinates shippers, carriers, and internal teams to meet OTP targets and reconciles load-level financials, including fuel surcharges and margin analysis. These efforts have earned him internal awards and recognition within the company. “By analyzing market trends, optimizing freight routes, and aligning our service offerings with client needs, I was able to present value-driven proposals that secured these lucrative contracts.”
Applying Risk Analysis
Risk management is central to Takhi’s professional toolkit. He believes that analyzing potential threats—financial, operational, or strategic—helps companies make informed decisions and build contingency plans. “The importance of risk management in every aspect of business, and working as an employee as well.”
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During his time with Sharp Express Inc., Takhi used two specific FITTskills modules—Risk Analysis and Cost Analysis—to map out his previous company’s operations. He uncovered risk factors that eventually contributed to a downturn during a high-interest rate market. The training helped him apply data-driven decision-making to mitigate those risks. “These courses significantly deepened my knowledge, allowing me to apply advanced analytical skills directly to my work in logistics. This enhanced my ability to make data-driven decisions, mitigate risks, and optimize costs.”
He notes that the ability to analyze uncertainty is now a core part of how he operates. By systematically evaluating vulnerabilities, he helps businesses avoid costly mistakes and protect their assets. Risk analysis plays a key role in optimizing financial performance by helping businesses avoid costly mistakes, reduce losses, and enhance their reputation and credibility among stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
While Takhi has secured major contracts and achieved significant milestones, his career is still very much in progress. The decision to pursue the full FITTskills program and obtain the CITP designation was driven by a desire to add credibility to his professional profile and open doors across North America and the EU.
He views the certification not just as a badge of prestige, but as a way to contribute his expertise to the broader economy. As he continues to refine his skills in logistics and finance, Takhi remains focused on the human element of trade: building relationships, managing uncertainty, and delivering value to clients and partners alike. The CITP is a prestigious certification by FITT. By achieving this qualification doors are opened not only in Canada by across the EU as well. Moreover, the faculty of FITT and its strategic partner EDC are industry leaders and well-qualified.
Sajal considers earning his designation a proud moment. He views the CITP as a marker of prestige but, more importantly, as a way for him to contribute his learning and work experience to the evolving Canadian economy and “beautiful Canadian community.” His journey stands as a powerful reminder that trade is built on relationships and strategic expertise, and strongest careers grow from both skillsets.
