Zeal expands to UAE; appoints Tej Gill as Business Development Director

The NSE and BSE-listed General Sales Agent (GSA) Zeal Global Services has announced its expansion to the United Arab Emirates with a new office in Dubai and appointed Tej Gill as its Business Development Director to lead international expansions.

While talking exclusively to The STAT Trade Times, Gill noted that his main focus will be driving Zeal Global’s international expansion, “building on our current partnerships while identifying new opportunities.”

“The UAE is a key market for us and will be an important hub in our broader global growth strategy. While we are ambitious, our growth will be measured and sustainable, ensuring we replicate the operational excellence and success of our core business in India,” he added.

Talking about the appointment of Gill, Nipun Anand, CEO of Zeal Global, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Tej to Zeal Global. He brings extensive international market experience, and that insight will play a key role in supporting our global expansion plans.”

“His role takes on a broad scope, driving growth across markets beyond our core base in India, while also leading our global marketing and branding strategy. This appointment marks an important step in Zeal’s next phase of growth. I’m genuinely excited about what the future holds, and I’m confident that Tej’s experience and leadership will not only help us expand globally but also strengthen the relationships we’ve built with our existing partners,” he added.

Entering new markets
Talking about his priorities when entering a new market, Gill noted that they focus first on understanding how the market operates, what drives trade, and where Zeal can add real value.

“In aviation and cargo, partnerships extend far beyond airlines, they include freight forwarders, handlers, airport authorities, regulators, and other logistics partners, all of whom play a critical role in success.

At the heart of every partnership is trust and collaboration.

“It’s about being present, listening, and building genuine connections that go beyond contracts. When partners see that we deliver consistently and act with integrity, those relationships naturally strengthen over time.”

Gill also acknowledges that their role comes with big responsibility because they represent the airline on the ground.

“Every interaction and every decision reflects on the airline’s brand, so we approach our role with care, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. That’s how we approach new markets by integrating into the local network, understanding how it operates, and working closely with partners to create value for everyone involved.”

Gill’s past experience
Based in Dubai now, Gill joins Zeal from global foreign-exchange specialist Travelex. While aviation and retail might seem very different, Gill notes that they share a lot in common; “both are fast-paced, customer-focused, and demand precision and adaptability.”

“My time with Travelex gave me a strong understanding of the airport and aviation environment, from operations to the people who make the ecosystem work behind the scenes. Working across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and now the UAE has given me a global perspective on markets and customer behaviour.

He pointed out that, in retail, you learn to anticipate demand, respond quickly, and always keep the customer journey front of your mind.

“Those skills translate directly into the cargo and aviation space, where speed, reliability, and service excellence are critical. This experience helps me position Zeal Global strategically in new markets, understanding what drives different regions and how we can meet those needs effectively as we grow over the next 12–18 months,” he added.

Building, motivating teams
For Gill, leadership starts with purpose. “When teams understand why we’re doing something, not just what we’re doing, motivation and ownership grow naturally.

Leading teams across multiple regions comes with unique challenges, but Gill believes the fundamentals remain the same: build trust, invest in people, and create an environment where talent can thrive.

“I focus on continuous development, helping team members grow in knowledge, confidence, and career progression,” he noted.

He also emphasised the importance of recognition.

“Celebrating both small wins and big achievements sustains morale and drives performance. Motivated, inspired teams aren’t just more productive, they help shape the culture and success of the organisation.”

The Zeal difference
According to Gill, Zeal Global stands out in the competitive global market for its entrepreneurial spirit and breadth of capability.

“Despite being founded in 2014, we’ve built a dynamic, people-focused organisation that combines agility with deep industry knowledge.”

“Our team in India, the core of our operations, has built an impressive foundation. But what sets us apart is the diversity of our offerings, from cargo and passenger GSA services to strategic joint ventures and even our own charter airline.”

He added that Zeal Global doesn’t simply follow industry trends but actively challenges them.

“We innovate and look for smarter ways to create value for our airlines and partners. We recognise that our people play a key part in this, and valuing them is central to how we run our business and the culture we promote. That’s the Zeal difference.”