Our Story

Built on family. Driven by vision.

International Shipping Limited (ISL) was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to make global logistics accessible, reliable, and deeply rooted in customer care. That mission was born through the partnership of Mr. Michael Laughlin, our late Founder, and his wife Mrs. Aysha Laughlin, Co-Founder and current Chairman. Together, their dedication to hands-on leadership and exceptional service laid the groundwork for a company that has grown steadily from strength to strength.

Michael and Aysha built ISL not just as a business, but as a family legacy. Their values of integrity, hard work, and innovation continue to shape our culture and guide our future.

Today, that legacy lives on through their children, who now lead the organization with renewed energy and strategic vision.

At the helm is Shivana Marie Laughlin, Group CEO, who brings over 15 years of experience across every facet of the business—from Sales and Brokerage to Warehousing and Agency Services. Shivana combines deep institutional knowledge with a fresh perspective shaped by international training, including her Master’s degree in International Business from King’s College London. She returned to ISL in 2023 to drive its next phase of growth with a leadership style that balances innovation and efficiency with a light-hearted human touch.

Supporting the company’s daily operations is Christian Laughlin, Chief Operations Officer, who joined ISL in 2007. A marketing graduate from the University of Kent at Canterbury, Christian has been instrumental in ISL’s expansion into the U.S. market and continues to strengthen its operational backbone, overseeing local warehousing and logistics.

Together, the Laughlin family remains the heart of ISL—committed to excellence, inspired by their roots, and passionately shaping a future where logistics connects people, communities, and possibilities.

KEY PERSONNEL

Meet the Team

Mr. & Mrs. Laughlin
Mr. & Mrs. Laughlin
Founders

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
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
Chief Operation Officer

Christian plays a vital role as the Chief Operations Officer at ISL. Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Kent at Canterbury, he joined ISL in 2007 and has been a dedicated team member ever since. As the former Group Director of Projects, Christian brought extensive expertise in project management, leadership, and team building, contributing to the successful execution of numerous large-scale projects. His notable achievements include establishing International Shipping USA Inc. in Doral, Florida, and driving ISL’s expansion and project management efforts. As of 2024, Christian oversees our local bonded warehouse and office as Chief Operations Officer. His strategic vision and strong project management skills continue to be instrumental in ISL’s growth and success.
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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
Business Development 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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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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