In times where the world is increasingly defined by uncertainty, digital disruption, and shifting trade dynamics, the logistics and freight forwarding industry stands as one of the most complex yet vital arteries of the global economy. Behind this intricate network of operations are visionary leaders who combine analytical precision with an understanding of global cultures and market trends. Among them is Slava Okunev, the Commercial Pricing Manager at Ventana Serra, a division of the Arcese Group, who exemplifies the fusion of adaptability, strategic foresight, and people-first leadership that defines modern logistics excellence.
Born in Eastern Europe and later forging his professional path in the United States, Okunev’s journey mirrors the very spirit of globalization one built on resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering drive to connect people and systems across borders.
A Journey Built on Grit, Growth, and Global Perspective
For Slava Okunev, success wasn’t a product of privilege or shortcuts. It was the outcome of persistence, adaptability, and the courage to start from scratch in a new country.
“I came to the US 12 years ago at the age of 19. My first job was in a warehouse, then I became a driver, later moved into an office role, and eventually joined Ventana Serra 4 years ago,” he recalls.
This remarkable trajectory from warehouse worker to a leadership role in a global organization reflects Slava’s belief that true leadership begins with understanding every layer of the business.
“I’ve been on the ground and in the boardroom; that experience helps me understand how decisions at the top affect people and processes on the frontlines,” he says.
Today, as Commercial Pricing Manager, Slava leads a team of professionals and oversees pricing strategy for Ventana Serra’s U.S. operations – a role that demands both analytical rigor and a deep sense of collaboration.
Ventana Serra: Driving Global Logistics for the Modern Era
Founded as part of the Arcese Group, Ventana Serra stands as a global powerhouse in freight forwarding, logistics, and integrated transportation. With over 70 offices worldwide, 3,000+ employees, and annual revenues exceeding €1 billion, the company connects continents through a seamless web of air, ocean, and road transport.
Headquartered in Italy, Arcese has built a legacy of innovation spanning decades, blending operational excellence with sustainability. Ventana Serra, its international freight forwarding arm, represents the cutting edge of that mission, serving clients across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa.
Slava Okunev explains, “In today’s logistics world, speed and reliability are no longer enough; clients expect transparency, adaptability, and sustainability. Our goal is to deliver that balance consistently globally and locally.”
Company Snapshot
- Leadership Motto: “Don’t be afraid to take responsibility, that’s where real growth begins.”
- Parent Company – Arcese Group
- Offices Worldwide – 70+
- Employees – 3,000+
- Annual Revenue – €1 Billion+
- Core Services – Air, Ocean & Road Freight, Warehousing, Supply Chain Solutions
- Presence – Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa
Thriving Amid Cultural Diversity in the Industry
The logistics industry thrives on movement, not just of goods, but of ideas, people, and collaboration. For a global leader like Ventana Serra, this means managing operations across vastly different cultures, languages, and business practices.
“The biggest challenge has been navigating through different cultures,” Slava admits. “We work with offices and partners all around the world in the US, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Understanding cultural differences and overcoming language barriers can be difficult, but since we all aim for a common goal, we work together to overcome these challenges.”
His approach is grounded in empathy and active communication. “It’s about listening first,” he says. “When you take the time to understand someone’s cultural or professional perspective, collaboration becomes much easier.”
This sensitivity to nuance has helped Slava bridge teams across continents, a skill increasingly critical in an age where logistics depend on real-time global coordination.
Striking the Balance between Profit and Performance
In logistics, pricing is far more than a number; it’s a strategy that defines competitiveness, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Slava Okunev’s role at the intersection of sales and operations makes him the architect of this delicate balance.
“Pricing itself is a challenge because we have to stay competitive while maintaining service quality,” he explains. “We can’t simply offer the lowest prices, as that could compromise service. Sales teams want the lowest costs, while operations prefer top-tier vendors who might be more expensive. My role is to strike a balance between the two.”
This balance demands not just analytical skills but also strong interpersonal acumen. As Slava points out, “Numbers can tell you a story, but people tell you the full truth. You need both to make the right decision.”
Under his guidance, the pricing department transforms numbers into strategy-shaping relationships, optimizing processes, and driving customer satisfaction. ,
Slava Okunev’s Strategic Triangle
- Competitiveness: Strike the right balance between rates and service to attract and retain clients
- Quality Assurance: Ensure vendor reliability and service standards
- Profitability: Maintain sustainable margins while supporting long-term growth
A Company Rooted in Growth and Global Vision
Ventana Serra’s growth story is one of purpose-driven expansion and strategic foresight. Far beyond numerical milestones, its global footprint from Brazil to China, and from Italy to the United States embodies a philosophy rooted in proximity, partnership, and performance. Each location is thoughtfully positioned to ensure that clients, regardless of region or industry, receive personalized, agile, and reliable supply chain solutions. Slava Okunev explains, “We are part of the Arcese Group, which operates distribution centers across Europe. Our focus is to integrate technology, sustainability, and customer-centricity into every operation.
This vision has enabled Ventana Serra to evolve into a truly global logistics powerhouse, one that seamlessly connects markets, optimizes efficiency, and upholds environmental responsibility. Today, it serves as a trusted logistics partner to industries as diverse as automotive, fashion, healthcare, and e-commerce delivering not just goods, but confidence, consistency, and long-term value across every link of the supply chain.
Sustainability at the Core of Modern Logistics
For Slava, the future of logistics is not just about faster delivery but smarter, cleaner movement.
“Sustainability is very important for us,” he says. “In Europe, for example, we’re transitioning to using electric-powered trucks instead of gas-powered ones, a change that will drastically reduce CO₂ emissions. This initiative is being implemented across the company.”
This shift reflects a broader transformation within Arcese Group, aligning with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and pushing the logistics industry toward a greener future.
Slava Okunev believes sustainability isn’t an obligation, it’s a responsibility. “Our industry literally moves the world,” he says. “So, we have to make sure we do it responsibly.”
Green Logistics in Action – Sustainability Highlights
- Transition to electric-powered trucks across Europe
- Target: Significant CO₂ reduction by 2030
- Alignment with Arcese Group ESG goals
- Focus: Responsible logistics through clean transport
Preparing for the Frontier: AI, Automation, and Data Intelligence
No modern operations story is complete without technology, and Slava is deeply invested in the intelligent transformation of pricing and logistics.
“We recognize the importance of developing and implementing AI across departments such as accounting, operations, and pricing,” he explains. “Our focus is on integrating AI-driven tools that streamline and optimize the pricing process, strengthening our competitive edge.”
For him, AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them. “Automation can handle repetitive calculations, but critical thinking and negotiation still need a human touch,” he adds.
The integration of AI, predictive analytics, and process automation is poised to revolutionize how Ventana Serra manages complex global operations, turning data into foresight and foresight into efficiency.
Tracking Success through Precision Metrics
Behind every strategic decision lies data, and Slava’s analytical mindset ensures that every aspect of performance is measurable.
“We monitor several key performance metrics each day,” he shares. “In pricing, we focus on customer-approved quotations and profit margins, while on the operational side, we track on-time deliveries, damages, vendor claims, and other quality metrics.”
These metrics provide a holistic view of efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. They also serve as early indicators of trends, helping Slava’s team adjust strategies before challenges escalate.
“Data tells us where we’ve been,” he says. “But when you analyze it the right way, it can also show you where we’re going.”
Anticipating Change in a Dynamic Global Market
With international trade policies, tariffs, and geopolitical shifts reshaping global supply chains, Slava Okunev keeps a close eye on emerging trends.
“Over the next three to five years, the U.S. domestic market offers strong growth potential due to tariffs on imports from China and other regions,” he explains. “We’re preparing by expanding domestic transportation to meet increasing demand.”
While global uncertainties persist, Ventana Serra’s diversified presence gives it resilience and agility. “We can adapt to market shifts quickly,” he adds. “That’s one of our strongest assets.”
Leadership Lessons: Responsibility, Courage, and Collaboration
When asked what advice he would offer to emerging leaders or aspiring professionals, Slava Okunev’s response carries the weight of experience and humility. “Don’t be afraid to take responsibility and take the lead,” he says. These are the two principles I believe are essential for anyone wanting to grow their career.”
It’s simple, direct, and deeply reflective of his own journey, one that began in the warehouse, where he learned the value of hard work and accountability, and evolved into a global leadership role managing complex international pricing strategies. For Slava, leadership isn’t defined by authority, but by the ability to inspire, empower, and uplift others. He firmly believes that great leaders create environments where people feel trusted, supported, and motivated to perform at their best.
“When your team feels supported and trusted, they perform at their best,” he emphasizes. His story serves as a reminder that true leadership is not handed down; it’s earned through perseverance, empathy, and the courage to take initiative.
| The Core of Slava Okunev’s Leadership Philosophy | |
|---|---|
| Element | Description |
| Responsibility | Taking ownership of challenges is the foundation of growth. |
| Initiative | Leadership begins when you step forward, not when you’re asked. |
| Empowerment | True leaders uplift others to perform at their highest potential. |
| Trust & Support | A motivated team thrives in an environment built on mutual respect. |
Recognition and Thought Leadership
Slava’s expertise has earned him recognition beyond his organization, cementing his place among professionals shaping the future of global operations. His inclusion in “Who’s Who in America,” a distinguished publication that celebrates individuals making a profound impact in their respective fields, stands as a testament to his influence and commitment to excellence.
For Slava, however, accolades are not the end goal. They are reminders of what can be achieved when purpose meets performance.
Slava reflects, “It’s always humbling to be recognized, but for me, the real reward is seeing the tangible results of our team’s work, efficient operations, satisfied clients, and motivated colleagues.”
This mindset underscores his approach to leadership, one that values authenticity and measurable impact over titles or accolades. His thought leadership is reflected not only in his strategic acumen but also in his ability to inspire teams to think beyond conventional boundaries.
Through his consistent focus on operational integrity, data-driven decisions, and people-first management, Slava continues to influence conversations on sustainable logistics and leadership transformation within the Arcese Group and beyond.
Turning Cultural Diversity into a Catalyst for Success
As Ventana Serra moves toward the future, Slava Okunev’s vision centers on two intertwined pillars: business growth and employee well-being. For him, true success lies not only in expanding operations but in building a workplace culture rooted in trust, respect, and shared purpose.
Slava exclaims, “Our main goal is to grow the business and ensure customer satisfaction through quality service. Equally important is fostering a positive work environment where team members enjoy coming to the office every day.”
He believes that lasting success comes from aligning people and performance. By nurturing a motivated team and upholding uncompromising service standards, he ensures that every achievement contributes to long-term client relationships and organizational integrity.
“The ultimate achievement for us is satisfied customers who value our service,” he adds. “That’s the impact we strive to create,” he adds.
To him, excellence isn’t defined by numbers alone, but by the trust earned, the partnerships built, and the pride shared across the Ventana Serra family.
