KEY PERSONNEL

Meet the Team

Mr. & Mrs. Laughlin

Michael, Founder, alongside his wife Aysha, Co-founder and Chairman, embody the driving force behind ISL's success. Their united commitment to accessible management and excellent customer service has forged the foundation of ISL's accomplishments. Together, their visionary leadership propels ISL towards a future defined by continuous innovation and unwavering excellence.

Shivana Marie Laughlin
Shivana Marie Laughlin
Group CEO

Since the passing of the founder and managing director, Mr. Laughlin, Shivana has been instrumental in the company’s operations. Shivana holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science (MSc.) degree in International Business from Kings College London, The University of London. In 2006, she joined ISL and worked her way across all departments in the organization including Sales, Customs Brokerage, Evergreen Line agency, the bonded warehouse and IS USA, dedicating over a decade and a half to the growth and development of various parts of the company in turn. After exploring new opportunities, Shivana has returned to ISL in 2023 as the Group CEO, bringing her extensive experience of the overall company operations and her new and fresh perspective to leading the company’s strategic direction. Her light-hearted but efficiency-focussed approach alongside her leadership capabilities will be a key driving force in positioning ISL for its ongoing future successes.
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Christian Laughlin
Christian Laughlin
Group Director of Projects

Christian plays a vital role as the Group Director of Projects at ISL. With a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing from The University of Kent at Canterbury, Christian joined in 2007 and has been a dedicated member of the team ever since. He brings extensive expertise in project management, leadership, and team building, which have contributed to the successful execution of numerous large-scale projects. Christian’s notable achievements include the establishment of International Shipping USA Inc. in Doral, Florida, as well as driving ISL’s expansion and project management efforts. His strategic vision and strong project management skills continue to be instrumental in ISL’s growth and success.
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Alicia Downes
Alicia Downes
Group Chief Financial Officer

Alicia brings over 20 years of experience in the finance field as the Group Chief Financial Officer at ISL. With a proven track record in various sectors, including Retail and Engineering/Construction, Alicia is passionate about driving process improvement and achieving sustainable efficiencies and cost savings. She is a qualified accountant, having attained her ACCA certification in 2008. Alicia plays a crucial role in overseeing ISL’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and implementing effective financial strategies. Her strong financial acumen and strategic mind set contribute to the financial success and growth of ISL.
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Debbie Baldeo
Debbie Baldeo
Support Services Manager

Debbie has 25 years of shipping experience, and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Debbie leads her team in providing timely and accurate documents to customers, with a strong focus on compliance with internal policies, customs regulations, and port/airport requirements. She has played a key role in driving process improvements and automation within the department, resulting in enhanced efficiency and better customer service. Debbie’s dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to delivering exceptional support make her an invaluable member of the ISL team.
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Kwasi Thomas
Kwasi Thomas
IT Manager

Kwasi has over 10 years of experience in the IT industry. He is a highly accomplished and experienced IT professional who has consistently demonstrated his expertise in driving technological advancements and optimizing operational efficiency. Kwasi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a passion for technology, which has allowed him to implement innovative solutions and enhance productivity within the organization. His exceptional leadership skills, strategic mindset, and commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging trends have made him a valued asset in driving transformative change and achieving outstanding results. Kwasi’s dedication to excellence, has positioned ISL at the forefront of technology in the shipping industry.
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Nicole Arjoon
Nicole Arjoon
Group Manager Projects

Nicole has a wealth of experience and expertise in project management. She plays a pivotal role in overseeing the successful execution of complex projects. She brings extensive knowledge of the shipping and logistics industry, coupled with a strong background in project planning, coordination, and stakeholder management. Nicole’s meticulous attention to detail, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate challenges have contributed to the seamless implementation of numerous large-scale projects. Her leadership skills, coupled with her commitment to delivering exceptional results, have earned her the trust and confidence of clients and colleagues alike. With Nicole at the helm of project management, ISL continues to excel in delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its customers.
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Marigold Lewis-Thompson
Marigold Lewis-Thompson
Group Human Resource Manager

Marigold holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Strategic Leadership and Management, and a Master of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Marigold brings extensive expertise to her role. She joined ISL in 2021 as the Projects and Large Commercial Accounts Manager before being promoted to Manager of Customer Experience and Engagement. Marigold’s strong background in project management and her commitment to customer satisfaction make her a valuable asset in managing ISL’s human resources. Her strategic leadership and dedication to creating a positive work environment contribute to the company’s success in delivering exceptional shipping and logistics solutions
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Rachaelann Worrell
Rachaelann Worrell

Rachaelann has 10 years of experience in the shipping & logistics industry, and joined the ISL team in August 2020. She started her journey as a Pricing Analyst and quickly demonstrated her potential, leading to her transfer to the Executive Accounts department. There, she handled one of the largest commercial accounts, coordinating shipments from the Far East to various parts of the world. Rachaelann’s dedication and hard work led her to be cross-trained in the Bookings department, gaining valuable insights into coordinating shipments from the USA to the Caribbean region. She currently holds the position of Export Supervisor, where she leverages her expertise and knowledge to ensure smooth and efficient export operations.
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Leela Tumanee Baldeo
Leela Tumanee Baldeo
Manager – Inside Sales

Leela has been an integral part of ISL since joining the company in 2001. With a strong background in sales and customer service, Leela has played a key role in driving business growth and ensuring customer satisfaction. Her exceptional communication skills and in-depth knowledge of the shipping industry have allowed her to build strong relationships with clients and provide them with tailored solutions. Leela is dedicated to delivering excellent internal and external customer service and exceeding customer expectations. Her passion for continuous improvement and her ability to effectively manage a dynamic sales and pricing team makes her an invaluable asset to the organization.
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Sharon Persad
Sharon Persad
Customs Brokerage Manager

With over 15 years of experience in customs brokerage, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at ISL. She has a deep understanding of customs regulations and procedures, ensuring smooth and efficient clearance of goods for clients. Sharon’s strong leadership skills and attention to detail have contributed to the success of the customs brokerage department, providing exceptional service to customers. Her commitment to staying updated with the latest industry trends and regulations allows her to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients, ensuring their shipments meet all necessary requirements. Sharon’s dedication to excellence and her ability to effectively manage complex customs processes make her a treasured member of the ISL team.
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Mark Soo Yam
Mark Soo Yam
Senior Warehouse Manager

Mark joined ISL in 2007, where he initially worked on the Cricket World Cup project. Under the guidance of the founder Michael A. Laughlin, Mark honed his skills in operations management and logistics. He played a vital role in establishing the Trinidad bonded warehouse operation and now holds the position of Senior Warehouse Manager, overseeing its day-to-day operations. He also contributed to the streamlining of the operations at the IS USA warehouse to ensure that the warehouses in the group were operating in line with company policy and expectations. Mark’s unwavering focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction ensures that ISL upholds its commitment to delivering reliable logistics solutions. His expertise and dedication has contributed significantly to the continued success of ISL.
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