About Me

Amit Kumar’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and strategic foresight—a journey that began in a small town in India, navigating economic hardships, and rising to lead multimillion-dollar businesses across global markets. From an early age, Amit displayed exceptional analytical skills and a drive to excel, earning a place at BIT Sindri for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Despite financial challenges, he remained determined to carve a path beyond conventional career trajectories.

His first job at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) provided stability but lacked the dynamism he craved. Leaving behind the security of a government job, Amit took a bold leap into the high-stakes world of commodity trading. This decision proved pivotal, leading him into the largest agribusiness and commodity trading firms globally. With an MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), he entered the fiercely competitive markets of logistics, trading, and supply chain management.

Building a Global Career in Commodity Trading

Amit’s early experience at Tata Martrade International Logistics Ltd. allowed him to refine his expertise in business development, logistics, and supply chain integration. His exceptional performance led to an overseas assignment in Germany, expanding his global business perspective. However, his true breakthrough came when he joined Olam International, one of the world’s leading agribusiness companies.

At Olam International, Amit spent nearly a decade building and scaling businesses across Africa and the Middle East. He played a pivotal role in establishing a $300 million commodity business across markets like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sudan, and Angola. His ability to navigate volatile markets, mitigate financial risks, and secure $80 million international contracts positioned him as a leader in the industry. Later, as part of Olam’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division, he set up a highly profitable rice trading desk in Dubai, generating $60 million in revenue across seven countries.

Leading Wilmar International’s $400 Million Business

Amit’s deep expertise and strategic leadership led him to Wilmar International, the largest agribusiness company in Asia. As Country Head for Bangladesh, he leads a $400 million operation, overseeing four manufacturing units and a team of 500 employees. Under his leadership, the company has:

Scaled product volumes by 4x, strengthening market dominance.
Diversified the business portfolio, reducing reliance on single-product categories.
Implemented asset-light manufacturing models, optimizing operational efficiency.
Successfully navigated economic fluctuations and political challenges, ensuring business continuity and growth.
Amit’s leadership at Wilmar has solidified its market position, setting the foundation for long-term expansion in the region.

Global Business Impact

Over the years, Amit has conducted business in over 50 countries, spanning Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. His ability to adapt to different economic landscapes, build strong business relationships, and drive profitability has made him a sought-after expert in commodity trading and supply chain management.

Personal Philosophy & Legacy

Amit believes that success in business is not just about numbers—it’s about resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to seize opportunities in uncertainty. His journey from a small-town upbringing to leading global businesses is a testament to hard work, risk-taking, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

With an unrelenting passion for building scalable businesses and mentoring the next generation of leaders, Amit Kumar continues to shape the future of global trade and commodities with his expertise, leadership, and vision.