JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Maria Paula Eslava's family owned a freight forwarding company in Colombia, but she felt her true passion lay elsewhere. While her parents moved to the United States, Maria chose to stay behind, determined to carve her own path. She pursued a degree in Marketing and Advertising, dreaming of one day working at a prestigious advertising agency in New York City.
While working through university, she joined the family business, taking a position in the Sales Department. Though it wasn't her chosen field, Maria approached the role with dedication and a positive attitude, viewing it as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal.
That's when fate stepped in.
From sales, then to procurement and finance, she started learning more about the intricacies of the industry and quickly found that she loved operations—she knew very early on, that was her sweet spot. "I'm a natural problem-solver and I love customer service. I believe sales brings the customer, but its operations that maintains the customer."
For the next few years, she grew her knowledge and worked her way up to Operations Manager. The family business was growing just as fast at Maria's skills and love for the industry. So, when JAS officially purchased her parent's organization—making it JAS Colombia, shortly after, Adrian Emmenegger, Executive Vice President, Americas, presented her with the opportunity to lead JAS Colombia as its Managing Director.
"I was very young. I was probably one of the youngest, and I was the only woman. I was very excited, but I also knew it would be a big undertaking and I would be doing some things I had never done before." To no one's surprise, Maria flourished in this role, and she looked inward to see where she really wanted to take her career. "For a long time, I kept telling myself I would start over and pursue my dream in advertising. But when I finally acknowledged my love for the industry I was working in, and decided to put both feet in the water—I saw the results right away." Maria doubled down and earned her Executive MBA, and even focused her graduation case writing on the industry experience. She reaped the benefits of fully stepping into the moment she was in.
Shortly after this decision, fate stepped in again, and she was given the opportunity to move to the United States to manage the Miami Branch—leading her to another opportunity, where she would meet new challenges, she had never met before. Maria wasn't a stranger to unknown circumstances and knew exactly what she needed to do to succeed, "When approaching the unknown, I know when to ask for help and combine it with my adaptability. I learn from others and build teams by surrounding myself with those who are passionate and know more than I do."
Now in her new role, in a new country, Maria reflects on her leadership journey and how far she's grown. "When I started out, I was very controlling, but I soon realized that it was not beneficial for me or my team. Years of building trust helped me to change my approach."
In Miami, Maria focuses on fostering inclusion and ensuring her team stays the course. "Now instead of micromanaging, I give clear directions and build the roadmap, together, with my team." In a branch where there are over 15 different nationalities represented in just 45 employees, empathy and understanding play a key role in Maria's success as branch manager.
"What truly motivates me every morning is the constant opportunity to learn. I strive to approach things differently and think outside the box. I owe everything to the opportunities that JAS has given me, consistently supporting my professional career while understanding my role as a mother of two young men, who are my driving force and daily strength. In an industry typically led by men, JAS has always made me feel valued, safe, and secure."
Maria's unplanned career in logistics is a testament to the growth opportunities that JAS creates and the accomplishments that can come with them—if you just lean in. Her journey from reluctance to embrace the family business to becoming a respected leader in the industry illustrates the power of adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Maria's story is a reminder that the paths we initially resist can lead to the most rewarding destinations. By seizing the opportunities presented to her and fully committing to her roles, she has achieved remarkable success and continues to inspire those around her.
Tariff regulations are evolving—are you prepared? Watch our exclusive webinar featuring JAS experts Laurie Arnold and Scott Cassell as they break down the latest updates on:
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 24, 2025 – JAS and Naqel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership. The partnership will combine Naqel's robust regional network with JAS's global logistics expertise.
Naqel, a subsidiary of Saudi Post Logistics (SPL) provides comprehensive coverage across the GCC region. By partnering with JAS, one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, both organizations are well-positioned to support the Kingdom's ambitious plans and strengthen its role as a global logistics hub.
"This partnership marks an exciting milestone for JAS as we expand our presence in Saudi Arabia," said Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East. "By combining our global reach with Naqel's deep-rooted regional expertise, we can unlock the full potential of the highly promising Saudi Arabian market."
Dr. Sohail Choudhry, CEO of Naqel Express and Group Chief Commercial Officer of SPL said “This partnership is a bold step towards strengthening our joint position in the region, opening new trade lanes and supporting our SPL Group vision to be a National Logistics champion which reimagines logistics and enhances experiences for our customers”
The MoU was signed by Dr. Adnan Almazrooa, Deputy CEO of Naqel, and Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East, in the presence of Dr. Sohail Choudhry, CEO of Naqel, Justin Sloan, Chief of Freight Forwarding at Naqel, and senior leaders from both organizations.
This collaboration aims to develop strategic trade lanes, mitigate supply chain disruptions, and provide multi-modal logistics solutions that drive efficiency and resilience.
By working together, JAS and Naqel will contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of enhancing trade integration, accelerating economic diversification, and fostering sustainable logistics solutions.
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About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it builds innovative and sustainable solutions that focus on customer needs and a better future for all. At the heart of JAS's success is its people who deliver customer value. As one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.
About Naqel Express by SPL
NAQEL Express by SPL has been operating in the MENA region since 2005 and is now a proud member of the Saudi Post family. With a presence in 16 countries, it has established itself as a formidable force in logistics. With its unrivaled distribution network and robust fleet, NAQEL seamlessly connects you with even the most remote corners of Saudi Arabia.
NAQEL provides tailored solutions and services such as speedy e-commerce and courier delivery, efficient road transport, smart warehousing and order fulfillment, global air and sea freight forwarding, seamless supply chain solutions, project management, 3PL services, and easy customs clearance. Committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions with a focus on environmental responsibility, NAQEL strives to lead the logistics industry towards a greener and more sustainable future.
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JAS is excited to announce its participation in LogiPharma 2025, the leading global supply chain conference for the life sciences industry. Taking place from April 8-10 at the Centre de Congrès de Lyon, France, the event brings together key industry leaders to discuss innovations and best practices in logistics.
As a trusted logistics partner, JAS will be exhibiting at Booth 71, where attendees can connect with our experts to explore cutting-edge cold chain solutions, temperature-controlled logistics, and end-to-end supply chain strategies tailored for the industry.
Continuing our tradition, the team will also take part in the LogiPharma 5K Run on Wednesday, April 8, at 7 AM.
Join us at LogiPharma 2025 to discover how we are driving innovation in logistics and ensuring supply chain excellence for our partners around the world.
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