Meet Carlin Naidoo, New Group VP Sustainability at DP World
DP World is one of the worldâs leading supply chain solutions providers, handling approximately 10% of global trade through its network of ports, terminals, economic zones and logistics services.
The Middle Eastern firm specialises in cargo logistics, maritime services and free trade zones across six continents.
And as a major player in global trade infrastructure, DP Worldâs sustainability team has a huge responsibility when it comes to decarbonisation.
Every global company requires expertise when it comes to its sustainability strategy, and DP World is looking to accelerate in its pursuit of sustainability by promoting from within.
Carlin Naidoo has made the move from Group Director of Sustainability to Group Vice President of Sustainability, marking a significant step in the global supply chain company's commitment to sustainable business practices.
Carlin previously served as Group Director of Sustainability and assumed his new role in April 2025.
With extensive experience in sustainability and strategic leadership, he brings a wealth of knowledge to this expanded role at DP World.
A career built on sustainability
Carlin joined DP World in January 2023 as Senior Manager of Global Sustainability and Impact before being promoted to Group Director of Sustainability in July 2023, a position he held for nearly two years.
His rapid advancement reflects his expertise and effectiveness in driving sustainability initiatives across the organisation.
Prior to joining DP World, he spent three years at QNB Group in Qatar, where he served as Sustainability Manager.
During his tenure at QNB, one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia region, he contributed to developing and executing the group's sustainability strategy.
He also provided advisory services on emerging sustainability trends and led cross-functional teams to embed sustainability best practices throughout the organisation.
Carlin’s expertise in banking and strategy
Carlin’s career includes significant experience in the banking sector, having served as Chief of Staff at NCBA Group PLC in Kenya, the country's third-largest bank.
In this role, he provided strategic support to the CEO and leadership team while managing the day-to-day operations of the executive office.
Before his move to Kenya in 2014, Carlin spent more than five years at Barclays Africa Group and Absa Capital in various front office and strategy roles.
His experience includes work on high-profile strategic projects, notably the integration of Absa and Barclays' corporate business across 12 African countries.
Carlin is also a big advocate of global governance when it comes to sustainability.
“In terms of frameworks, it is important that an organisation’s sustainability strategy aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of achieving a more sustainable and better future for all,” he explains.
A worldly leader
Carlin holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from IE Business School in Spain.
This combination of technical expertise and business acumen has equipped him with a unique perspective on sustainability challenges and opportunities in global supply chains.
Carlin’s experience working across the world—in places including South Africa, Kenya, Qatar and now the UAE—has shaped him as a professional, helping him to implement sustainability strategies in diverse cultural and regulatory environments.
Leading DP World's sustainability agenda
As Group Vice President of Sustainability, Carlin will play a crucial role in advancing DP World's environmental, social and governance initiatives.
The company's global presence across marine terminals, logistics operations and economic zones positions it as a key player in developing sustainable supply chain solutions.
As a company reliant on transport, emissions reductions will form a large part of his future workload.
âThe focus is to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 28% by 2030 in an effort to achieve carbon neutrality,â he says.
Carlinâs appointment comes at a time when sustainability is increasingly becoming a strategic priority for corporations worldwide, particularly in logistics and supply chain management where the environmental impact of operations faces ever-growing scrutiny from investors, customers and regulators.
But when it comes to executives with a deep understanding of global sustainability, very few individuals could be better suited to this role than Carlin.
Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand
