At the International Trade Institute, we’re proud to showcase professionals who are driving best practice and innovation in global trade. This month, we feature Sachin Mathapati, Global Trade Compliance Manager for Shell’s Technology division, whose career reflects both strategic thinking and lifelong learning.

Navigating a Complex Global Landscape

As part of Shell’s Technology division, Sachin leads trade compliance efforts across export controls, customs, sanctions, and licensing; ensuring secure, compliant cross-border operations in a fast-changing regulatory environment.

“Global trade is navigating a complex landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory fragmentation, and post-pandemic supply chain shifts. The US-China frictions and Brexit-related bureaucracy have disrupted global operations, while evolving trade agreements and data privacy laws add further layers of complexity.”

He notes that small and medium-sized enterprises are especially vulnerable, often lacking the local expertise and resources to manage these challenges effectively.

From Compliance to Strategic Enablement

For Sachin, trade compliance goes far beyond risk mitigation.

“Evolving regulations - such as new export controls, sanctions, or customs procedures - require constant monitoring and adaptation. Non-compliance risks not only legal penalties but also reputational damage and operational delays. On the other hand, proactive compliance enables smoother market access, supports innovation, and builds trust with regulators and partners.”

In his view, compliance is both a safeguard and a strategic enabler, a theme that runs throughout his professional journey.

Building Expertise Through Continuous Learning

Although Sachin doesn’t come from a legal background, his MBA in strategic and operational management provided a strong foundation for his trade compliance role.

“Upon assuming my current role, I undertook a steep learning curve to understand the complexities of global trade regulations. Through dedicated effort and the completion of a Professional Diploma in International Trade, I developed the expertise necessary to navigate export controls, customs, and sanctions.”

He credits the diploma with deepening his regulatory understanding while strengthening his ability to align compliance with business operations.

Applying Knowledge in a Global Context

“Completing the Professional Diploma in International Trade equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of global trade compliance. It enhanced my ability to interpret regulatory frameworks and apply them in a practical, business-oriented context.”

Sachin now integrates legal expectations with operational goals, a balance that supports both innovation and accountability within Shell’s global operations.

Advice for Future Trade Professionals

“I would highly recommend this programme to both seasoned professionals and newcomers. It offers up-to-date coverage of international regulations and the external trade environment. Its structured, practitioner-focused approach makes it particularly valuable in roles that demand alignment between business operations and legal expectations.”

Sachin’s journey highlights how strategic learning and a forward-looking approach can transform compliance from a constraint into a driver of sustainable, global business success. We wish Sachin all the best and look forward to following his career. He will certainly continue to make an impact in global trade compliance and beyond.

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