Rooso Ramachandran takes EFL Global CEO role, pledges customer focus

SRI LANKA – EFL Global has appointed Rooso Ramachandran as Global CEO, effective May 2026, following more than two decades of leadership experience across the company’s Indian and regional operations, succeeding Shanmugam Senthilnathan.

Ramachandran took over the role after serving as CEO of EFL India since November 2021. He previously held director and regional head roles within the organization.

Prior to joining EFL, he worked at Scanwell Freight Express for nearly eight years. The appointment marks a new chapter for EFL as it enters its next phase of growth, with the company emphasizing Ramachandran’s leadership, stability, and long-term vision.

Ramachandran succeeds former Global CEO Shanmugam Senthilnathan, who described his 30-year journey with EFL, beginning with the founding of EFL India and his decade as Global CEO, as “the honour of a lifetime.” He added that beyond milestones, he valued the learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and the spirit of the team he led.

On the other hand, two key leadership milestones defined Ramachandran’s two-decade career at EFL. He served as Regional Head from 2004 to 2011, Director from 2011 to 2022, and CEO of EFL India from 2021 until his current appointment. Throughout these roles, he strengthened strategic partnerships and expanded capabilities across key industries.

EFL Global’s ownership and corporate structure have evolved significantly since 1982. Hanif Yusoof founded Expolanka Freight in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a small freight-forwarding agency focused on the Indian Subcontinent.

The company expanded into India in 1996 and into Vietnam in 2007. Expolanka Holdings was formed in 2003 and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2011. In 2012, Expolanka Freight was rebranded as EFL, marking a shift in its global positioning.

EFL became part of SG Holdings in 2014, when the Japanese group acquired a majority stake in Expolanka Holdings, integrating EFL into a global logistics network.

EFL Global currently serves multiple sectors, including fashion, pharmaceuticals, technology, automotive, and humanitarian logistics. By 2022, the company operated more than 70 offices across 34 countries, with a workforce exceeding 3,000 employees.

For stakeholders in the fresh produce and logistics sectors, EFL’s extensive network provides cold-chain and freight solutions for perishable exports from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to global markets.

Lastly, the leadership transition signals continuity rather than a strategic pivot, suggesting stable service levels for existing agricultural clients.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.