Meet the Team – Afsha Shaikh
Afsha Shaikh is a relatively new member of the Corrotherm family, however she brings with her a massive wealth of experience. We find out more
Name: Afsha Shaikh
Position: Sales, Corrotherm International Middle East
Time at Corrotherm: 1 year
Interests and hobbies: Drawing/colouring
With offices around the world, the Corrotherm team spans large distances, but everyone pulls together to offer the same blend of industry knowledge, excellent customer service and professional experience that the company is known for.
The Dubai team, headed up by Regional Sales Manager Sayeed Junied, is no exception, managing our expansive Middle East operations. One key member of the Sales team is Afsha Shaikh, who joined the Corrotherm ranks a year ago.
Afsha brings with her 16 years’ experience in the piping field, meaning that she understands the industry inside out. Her career began in 2000 in the Middle East as an office assistant. She moved into the Operations department and then the Procurement department, steadily rising through several senior roles from 2002-2015, when she came to Corrotherm.
Her knowledge of the products and people is certainly a great advantage: “[For] most of my career, I’ve worked in Procurement, and now in Sales Support with Corrotherm. I enjoy negotiations and discussion with clients and suppliers, as it gives me lots of exposure. Being known in the industry is very satisfying, and I enjoy engaging with people in different sectors.” Since moving to Corrotherm, she has enjoyed the independence in her work, as well as the time spent with colleagues working to find solutions to challenges.
When asked about her fondest memory over the last year, she says that meeting Corrotherm’s CEO Jan Ward was a real standout moment: “She is very down to earth, and cares very much about employees, even the smallest things.”
Knowing the industry as well as Afsha does, we were keen to find out if any of the products were of particular interest. She cites INCONEL alloy 625 as a firm favourite. “I feel like INCONEL alloy 625 is like family. Corrotherm is the leader in supplying this material, and it’s good to hear from customers appreciating [the company for this product]”. The image of the company is important to Afsha in her role and she works hard to maintain this when dealing with clients. She’s proud of her supportive team, who offer “coordination, communication, understanding, support and professionalism”.
Of course, in 16 years, Afsha has witnessed all the ups and downs of the industry, but even she finds it hard to guess where we will be in five years’ time: “The current market conditions are unstable and things keep fluctuating, so I can’t predict. Certainly, it will improve and [become more] stable”.
Outside of the office, Afsha loves to spend time with her family. After a rousing, early-morning cup of tea to kick start the day, Saturdays are all about enjoying the small things: “Running behind my children like a referee! Taking the orders for breakfast, what they would love to eat, [and then] cooking breakfast for all of them as per their taste and choices.” She also has a hidden creative side and loves to draw and colour.
If you wish to get in touch a member of our Sales team, please visit our Contact page.
