CSS GROUP COMMEMORATES 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

CSS Group marked a defining chapter in its legacy this April, commemorating 30 years of excellence with a grand three-day celebration at the Taj Exotica Resort at The Palm in Dubai. CSS Group’s 30th Anniversary Summit & Global Logistics Round Table 2025 convened over 300 distinguished logistics professionals from around the world. It served as a powerful testament to CSS Group’s extraordinary evolution—from a modest four-member team in 1995 to a globally renowned logistics leader with a workforce exceeding 750 today.

DAY ZERO: A WARM WELCOME BENEATH THE STARS

The celebrations began on April 26th with an elegant Welcome Soirée held on the Raia Rooftop offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Guests arrived throughout the day, greeted warmly by the CSS team. Each delegate received a gift bag, event goodies and a detailed itinerary booklet reflecting the company’s signature attention to detail.

As the sun set, the celebrations moved to the Raia Rooftop for a welcome cocktail reception. The evening opened with the emcee introducing the sponsors and inviting Mr. Dean Landers, Vice President – CSS Kuwait for the welcome address, followed by a sincere thank you note from Mr. Rowan Coelho, General Manager – Air Freight. Lively conversations unfolded against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, accompanied by drinks, canapés, a photo booth and beautifully curated giveaways. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the rooftop came alive with music and the unmistakable sense of a global family reunited.

DAY ONE: A DAY OF INSIGHT, INNOVATION & CONNECTION AT THE NVOCC CONFERENCE

April 27th was marked by engaging discussions at the much-anticipated NVOCC Conference in the Royale Ballroom. The morning set the tone for high-impact discussions, beginning with a warm welcome from the emcee, who acknowledged the event sponsors and ushered in the core agenda. Dr. Britto Satheesh, Director – CSS eLogix, opened the session with an inspiring address that traced the journey of CSS and its bold steps into the future. His words were reinforced by a well-produced corporate video highlighting the organization’s legacy and global footprint.

Following the keynote, concise, thought-provoking presentations took center stage. Chandrakala, Chief Operating Officer – CSS Group, presented the strategic direction of CSS’s NVO operations while Krishna Kaladharan, Director – CSS Group, offered insights into the company’s branch-level performance and regional developments. Representatives from the various CSS branches shared their success stories and industry perspectives.

The day’s highlight was a compelling panel discussion examining the evolving logistics landscape, discussing technology integration, regional synergies and the future of NVOCC. The discourse reflected the industry’s shift toward more connected, agile and sustainable practices—an ethos aligned with CSS’s vision.

Selected delegates visited TopGolf Dubai, where they enjoyed a relaxed and engaging atmosphere away from the formal setting, combining fun and interaction in a casual environment.

The day concluded with an ethnic-themed dinner at VARQ, the fine-dining Indian restaurant at Taj Exotica. Guests arrived in traditional attire and the ballroom was transformed into a vibrant display of colors and cultures. The evening culminated in a thali sit-down dinner- a perfect blend of culinary delights and cultural expressions.

DAY TWO: FREIGHT FORWARDING FOCUS & GRAND GALA FINALE

The day began with the conference session in Royale Ballroom 2, where logistics professionals gathered in smart casual attire, setting a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. Dr. Britto Satheesh gave a powerful opening address that set the tone for the day. His presentation, accompanied by an impactful video, reflected the journey and aspirations of the CSS Group. Following Dr. Britto’s address, there was a series of short, targeted presentations featuring key leaders across the CSS network. Krishna Kaladharan offered insights into branch performance,

In parallel with the conference, select attendees embarked on curated tours of DP World and the CSS Headquarters, arranged by the Travel & Tour Committee. The behind-the-scenes experience allowed guests to witness CSS’s operational excellence firsthand, offering insights into logistics infrastructure and management at the core of the company’s success. The tours ended with lunch at CSS HQ fostering a deeper appreciation for the company’s scale and culture.

As evening arrived, a gala dinner welcomed guests with a sense of grandeur and cultural pride. With the dress code encouraging black tie, gown, or ethnic wear, the ballroom sparkled with elegance and diversity. Attendees arrived in tuxedos, gowns, sarees, sherwanis and regional attire, each reflecting the global spirit of the CSS family. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including politician Mr. Ramesh Chennithala and acclaimed actors Mr. Joju George and Mr. Narain, adding star power and prestige to the evening.

The emotional centerpiece of the evening was the premiere of the CSS 30-year corporate film—a moving tribute to the company’s roots and remarkable evolution. Our Chairman, Mr. T.S. Kaladharan, then delivered a heartfelt welcome address, expressing deep gratitude to those whose vision, resilience and commitment have shaped CSS Group’s legacy.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

The heart of the evening was dedicated to honoring excellence and acknowledging contributions across the CSS community. The highlight of the night was the presentation of a prestigious token of appreciation by the CSS Group to DP World and Dubai Customs—an expression of gratitude that celebrated the strong, long-standing partnerships shared with both organizations. Speeches of the leaders from the logistics industry offered meaningful reflections and words of encouragement for the future.

Long Service Awards were presented to CSS staff marking 15, 20 and 25 years of service, a testament to the company’s culture of loyalty and growth. Adding an element of excitement to the evening, there was a spirited raffle draw, with children pulling out the winning numbers and sponsors distributing gifts, drawing in families into the celebration.

Two captivating performances followed. The CSS Kingston team delivered an energetic act, while the CSS HQ team presented a lively cultural showcase, both highlighting the creativity and unity within the CSS family.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MAGIC

The success of the event and its seamless execution were made possible by the dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes. Each member played a crucial role – be it managing logistics, designing the decor, coordinating with speakers, or ensuring an exceptional guest experience. Their behind-the-scenes efforts, attention to detail and unwavering commitment were the driving force that brought every element of the event together seamlessly.