Open to opportunities

Zahirul Islam

@zahirulislam

Message

Seasoned telecom and sales leader driving growth and operational excellence.

Bangladesh

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior operational or commercial leadership roles where I can drive revenue growth, develop teams, scale distribution channels, and implement strategic plans in an ambitious, collaborative organization.

I am a results-driven business leader with nearly two decades of experience across telecom, distribution, insurance and FMCG sectors. I have led national sales, operations and country-level teams for local and multinational companies, consistently delivering growth and resolving complex operational challenges.

My background includes senior leadership roles such as Director & COO, Country Director and Deputy Managing Director, where I focused on sales strategy, business development, channel expansion and product innovation. I have a strong track record in budgeting, project management and trade marketing that supported revenue and market-share gains.

I prioritize team development, conflict resolution and clear communication to build high-performing teams and scalable processes. I also bring hands-on experience with partner management and corporate relationships across multiple markets in South and Southeast Asia.

I hold an MBA in Marketing and a Master’s in Commerce (Accounting & Finance), and I continuously update my skills through international training programs in the UAE, Thailand, Korea, China, Sri Lanka and India.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director, Sales & Business Development

DX Distribution Ltd

Oct 2020 - Aug 2024 (3 years 10 months)

Led sales and business development functions, driving channel growth and partnerships across Bangladesh and improving distribution performance during tenure from 2020-10 to 2024-08.

Sales Leadership Business Development Partner Management Strategic Planning Negotiation Team Management Trade Marketing

Director, Operation

Prime Insurance Company Ltd

Sep 2018 - Mar 2019 (6 months)

Directed operations with focus on business analysis, project management and improving administrative processes to support insurance operations.

Operations Management Business Analysis Project Management Business Administration Process Improvement Budgeting

Head of Business

Metrocem Technologies Ltd

Mar 2014 - Nov 2016 (2 years 8 months)

Led business functions for mobile distribution (LG Mobile), overseeing planning, data collection/analysis and commercial strategy to grow market share.

Business Development Market Analysis Data Collection Commercial Strategy Project Management Operations Management

National Sales Manager

Excel Telecom Pvt Ltd

Mar 2013 - Feb 2014 (11 months)

Managed national sales for Samsung mobile distribution, driving channel and trade marketing initiatives and achieving sales targets across regions.

Trade Marketing Sales Strategy Team Management Presentation Negotiation

Sales Manager

Quartel Infotech Ltd

Jan 2012 - Feb 2013 (1 year 1 month)

Led sales activities, business development and strategic planning to expand client base and deliver revenue growth.

Sales & Management Business Development Strategic Planning Client Relationships Negotiation Communication

Deputy National Sales Manager

American President Lines

Nov 2006 - Dec 2011 (5 years 1 month)

Supported national sales leadership, managed key corporate relationships and contributed to channel development and sales strategies.

Sales Leadership Presentation Team Management Strategic Planning

Senior Executive

Excel Telecom Pvt Ltd

Apr 2003 - Oct 2006 (3 years 6 months)

Executed sales and trade marketing activities for Nokia distribution, supporting regional teams and contributing to market execution.

Trade Marketing Team Collaboration Customer Relations

Director & COO

Delta Hydrocarbon Pvt Ltd

Served as Director & COO overseeing operations and commercial activities, implementing process improvements and leading cross‑functional teams to enhance operational efficiency.