Anonymous

Skills

Global Customs Expertise: In-depth knowledge of international customs regulations, compliance, and border management processes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Trade Facilitation: Designing and implementing strategies to enhance cross-border trade efficiency and streamline customs clearance processes.

Strategic Leadership: Leading multicultural, cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence in complex global market environments.

Customs IT Solutions: Expertise in leveraging ERP systems, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize customs operations.

Grant Writing & Resource Mobilization: Securing over €60 million in funding from global donors (e.g., World Bank, IMF, US State Department) through strategic grant proposals.

Public-Private Partnerships: Building and managing impactful collaborations between government bodies, intergovernmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders.

Project Management: Certified PMP and PRINCE2 Practitioner, with proven success in managing high-profile projects, including an $18M global regulatory initiative at FedEx.

Strategic Planning & Execution: Developing and implementing performance management frameworks and strategic plans for global trade and customs organizations.

Budget & Financial Management: Overseeing budgetary functions, fund management for donors, treasury, investments, and financial reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating high-level communication with internal and external stakeholders, including customs authorities, regulatory bodies, and senior executives.

Global Trade Compliance: Ensuring adherence to international trade regulations and security initiatives, enhancing organizational adaptability in dynamic trade environments.

Event Coordination & Public Speaking: Organizing high-level conferences and trade exhibitions, and delivering lectures at institutions like HEC Lausanne and University of Muenster on supply chain security, governance, and customs modernization.

Analytical Research & Data Analysis: Conducting research on donor strategies, funding trends, and global trade facilitation to inform strategic decision-making.

Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Uniting diverse teams to exceed project objectives in fast-paced, international settings.

Supply Chain Security: Expertise in global security strategies and regulatory initiatives, such as Advanced Commercial Information requirements.

Multilingual Communication: Fluent in English, proficient in French, and intermediate German (A2 certification), enabling effective collaboration in diverse regions.

Operational Efficiency: Driving cost reductions and process improvements, achieving over 60% performance increases and $1.2M in savings in past roles.

Policy Development: Advising customs administrations on building resilient, sustainable organizations aligned with global trade standards.

Change Management: Leading ERP transitions and technology-driven transformations to modernize customs and trade processes.

Training & Capacity Building: Providing leadership and management development as a World Bank expert and guest lecturer on customs and governance topics.

About

Greg Pilkington is a seasoned Global Customs Expert and strategic leader with over two decades of experience driving transformative trade and customs initiatives across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Renowned for leveraging advanced technologies such as ERP, Robotic Process Automation, Machine Learning, and AI, Greg has spearheaded high-impact projects that streamline customs processes, enhance compliance, and accelerate cross-border trade efficiency. Currently serving as Head of Global Customs Programs at DHL Express in Bonn, Germany, he has successfully orchestrated strategies that optimize operations and delivery times while aligning with complex regulatory frameworks.

Previously, as an Independent Consultant with PME Group LLC and Executive Officer at the World Customs Organization, Greg secured over €60 million in funding from global donors like the World Bank and IMF through strategic grant writing, fostering public-private partnerships and advancing trade facilitation reforms. His leadership in multicultural, cross-functional teams has consistently delivered operational excellence, cost efficiencies, and innovative border management solutions. Holding an International MBA from the Moore School of Business and executive education from Harvard, Greg combines strategic insight with hands-on expertise in customs IT, resource mobilization, and global market strategy. Fluent in English, proficient in French, and with intermediate German, he is a dynamic communicator and thought leader, frequently speaking at institutions like HEC Lausanne and the University of Muenster on supply chain security and governance.