Employee Spotlight | Loan Nguyen
Meet Loan Nguyen, General Manager Vietnam & Southeast Asia. Having once considered a career in law, she chose international business instead. Today, she's shaping Ahlers' continued growth across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, proving that serious work can still come with a pair of minion Crocs.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What brought you into the world of logistics?
Between 2004 and 2012, I completed two bachelor's degrees: one in Foreign Trade, and another in Law. After university, I started my career in logistics and have worked in sales and business development for companies such as SDV, Bolloré Logistics (now CEVA Logistics) and Atlantic Gate. Logistics wasn't always the plan, but at the time Vietnam was more and more opening up to international trade, so it was an exciting industry with plenty of opportunities. I also loved working in an international environment and using English every day. Of course, I considered becoming a lawyer, but I quickly realized I preferred building businesses and relationships over handling legal disputes, so I have no regrets.
What does your role involve?
I joined Ahlers in 2025, a year after the Vietnam office officially opened. Together with our local team, I'm responsible for growing our customer portfolio, developing new opportunities across Southeast Asia and supporting our existing customers in the region. Because we're still a relatively small team, my role goes beyond business development. I also work closely with colleagues on solution building, operational support and warehousing projects. I'm Ahlers' main representative at local business events and work with organizations such as BeluxCham Vietnam, EuroCham and others. Over the past year, I've also helped develop internal procedures that better reflect the realities of the Vietnamese market.
What's it like working in sort of an internal start up?
I really enjoy it as I know we can handle it. In larger companies, everything is already established. Here, we've had the opportunity to build something ourselves. We have clear goals, but we also have the freedom to find our way to achieve them, there is a big trust to our expertise. Every market is different, so it's important to adapt instead of simply copying what works somewhere else. That's what makes the work both challenging and rewarding.
What's an achievement you're particularly proud of?
I'm proud that we've consistently exceeded our targets. It shows that customers trust us and that we're moving in the right direction. One of the examples is how we’ve continued growing our partnership with a major European shipbuilder by securing another project cargo shipment from Spain to Vietnam. This year we also signed a new important contract with one of Vietnam's largest e-vehicle manufacturers to support its expansion across Asia.
Vietnam is gaining global attention as a manufacturing and logistics hub. What trends are you seeing?
Vietnam has changed rapidly over the past few years. Foreign investment continues to grow, and companies increasingly see Vietnam not only as a manufacturing location but also as an important regional hub and consumer market.
At business events, I meet more international companies looking for local expertise on trade, infrastructure, regulations, etc. From a logistics perspective, nearly every major global player has established a presence here, which shows that this is a long-term shift rather than a passing trend. In that regard, I also think the timing was right for Ahlers to strengthen its presence here and open own office in Ho Chi Minh. Five years ago, it might have been a little too early, as the level of foreign investment wasn't yet where it is today. But over the past few years, those investment flows have accelerated, creating a real need for logistics partners who understands the local market. That's exactly where Ahlers can make a difference by helping companies navigate this complex business environment.
What's one piece of advice you'd give companies looking to expand into Vietnam?
Don't be afraid to take the first step. There are many organizations that can help international companies understand the local market, and having the right local partners makes all the difference. And when it comes to logistics, Ahlers is ready to help :)
You work full-time, but you are also studying and raising two children. How do you unwind and recharge?
I'm naturally quite ambitious, so having a clear goal is what keeps me going. Whenever things get busy or I feel a bit overwhelmed, I just remind myself why I started in the first place. Of course, my family helps me recharge too. I love listening to Vietnamese music, and my son plays the piano. Sometimes he says, «Relax, I'll play something for you.» Those little moments help me slow down.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
People often tell me I have a «woman soldier» personality. I'm quite demanding and direct because I genuinely care about what I do, and my work is a big part of who I am.
But once people get to know me, they see a much softer side and realize I'm a true team player. Around the office, you'll often find me wearing my favorite pair of Crocs covered in minions jibbitz charms. They always make people smile. Even if I take my work seriously, I also value building a welcoming and friendly environment where everyone feels comfortable and motivated.
