Introducing Mahmoud Hosny: How integrity, transparency and customer focus shape his work every day

A Guiding Principle Rooted in Trust and Clarity

My guiding principle is simple. “The customer who respects the deal’s terms is always right.” I work with speed, transparency, and continuous communication. Even when the solution isn’t immediately available, I keep customers informed and reassured. For me, trust is built through clarity and consistency, and that trust is what keeps projects moving forward smoothly.

A Career Shaped by Operations, On-Site Experience and Regional Insight

I first came across Gantrex in 2016 while working as Operations Manager on the East Port Said project, overseeing gantry crane rail installations. The professionalism of the Gantrex team stood out immediately. Over time, my previous company became a Gantrex representative and I led installation projects both in Egypt and abroad.

I then moved into managing a large Container Handling Equipment (CHE) portfolio, working closely with teams at APMT, DP World, Hutchison Ports, and others. I also helped establish a new office in West Africa. These experiences gave me a really good insight into customer expectations, operational challenges and the African port landscape. All of this has shaped the way I work today at Gantrex.

A Natural Move to Gantrex

Moving from operations into business development gave me the chance to focus on long-term value, continuity and strategic growth. Gantrex was the right platform because of its technical strength, global resources and well-structured sales and marketing teams.

Having worked alongside Gantrex for nearly a decade, I already knew the company’s standards and culture. The teamwork I experienced in Dubai, the clear leadership style and the opportunity to grow, made joining Gantrex the natural next step in my career.

What Customer Centricity Looks Like Day to Day

For me, customer centricity means staying close to the customer every step of the way. During active projects, I issue daily updates with progress, challenges and solutions. This level of transparency keeps everyone on track and confident.

A good example of this was seen in a project in Libya. Months after we supplied trolley rails, a minor concern emerged. Even though the materials were confirmed fault-free, we still provided spare clips. It was the right thing to do. Customer centricity is about reassurance as much as it is about performance. For our customers, it should mean that they feel genuinely prioritized. It shows we take responsibility for their operations and stay committed well beyond the point of delivery. That is how long-term partnerships are built.

Opportunities for Growth Across Africa

Africa’s port sector is growing quickly, and the opportunities are significant. We see strong potential in increasing awareness of our broader spare-parts range, promoting our short-rail systems, and expanding our maintenance and technical support for STS, RTG, and MHC equipment. With Egypt alone projected to reach 16.5 million TEUs in the coming years, the region is entering a period of major development, and we are ready to support that growth with comprehensive solutions.

Navigating Regional Challenges Through a ‘Glocal’ Approach

Major OEMs dominate equipment supply across the region, but their after-sales service and spare-parts support are often limited. Gantrex bridges this gap by combining global engineering expertise with strong local implementation. This approach allows us to react faster, raise service quality, reduce costs for customers, and strengthen long-term trust.

Demonstrating Customer Value Through Action

We prove our value by acting quickly and communicating openly. When a welded joint appeared to show a crack, we repaired it immediately, even though third-party inspection confirmed it was sound. Taking swift action sends a clear message. The customer’s peace of mind comes first.

Market Forces Shaping His Work Today

Egypt’s central position in regional throughput, the ageing of equipment across many terminals, currency pressures, diverse payment structures, and customs regulations all influence our work. These factors mean every customer needs a tailored approach. I make sure our solutions are aligned with both operational and commercial realities.

Leadership Grounded in Respect and Empowerment

Leadership begins with respect. I believe in giving people responsibility that fits their capability, supporting them when mistakes happen and importantly, leading by example. Encouragement should always come before criticism. Developing the team is one of the most important parts of my role.

Maintaining Motivation and Quality Within the Team

I keep motivation high through communication, recognition, and growth opportunities. Whether it is international exposure, direct customer engagement, or structured development plans, I make sure my team feels supported and valued. A motivated team delivers better outcomes for customers.

Pride in Being Part of #TeamGantrex

From my first day in Dubai, the teamwork, structure, and leadership were clear. Events like the year-end celebration highlighted the genuine human values at the heart of Gantrex. I am proud to represent a company that combines technical excellence with demonstrable respect for its people.

Looking Ahead: Goals for the Coming Year

I am excited to strengthen relationships in Egypt, showcase our capabilities in maintenance services, and expand our inspection and steel-structure services. I am also exploring opportunities in Libya and preparing to grow our local technical team to improve response times and support customers more effectively.

Advice for the Next Generation Entering This Industry

My advice is simple: work hard, stay curious, and be patient. Stay organised, focus on solutions, learn from everyone around you, and always maintain integrity. These qualities will form the foundation of a successful career in this industry.