Leonid Khojayev, Managing Director and Co-Owner of MarinTel, has driven his company to the forefront of maritime safety monitoring solutions through innovation and adaptability. With over 12 years of experience in maritime electronics, Khojayev attributes his strategic insight and leadership skills to the Blue MBA programme at Copenhagen Business School. This article explores how his MBA journey has played a pivotal role in shaping MatinTel’s growth and his professional development.
Before founding MarinTel, Leonid Khojayev gained valuable experience working for 12 years in a British-owned company specialising in ship navigation and electronics services. Starting as a technician and rising to the role of an engineer, he travelled extensively for training and quickly became passionate about the technology.
“I began as a technician and worked my way up to an engineer, traveling extensively for training. I grew passionate about the technology and saw areas for improvement, which I felt I could contribute to,” Khojayev recalls.
This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for what would become his entrepreneurial venture. Driven by a vision to innovate and improve the maritime industry, Khojayev co-founded MarinTel in 2010 with a colleague who shared his passion for innovation.
MarinTel was established as an offshore surveillance company, providing advanced maritime safety solutions for a diverse range of clients, including maritime authorities, ports and harbours, oil and gas sectors, renewables, fisheries, and marine vessels. Over the past 12 years, MarinTel has completed more than 60 projects across 30 countries, including its largest surveillance project, which involved the installation of 20+ radars.
“We saw digitalisation as the future,” Khojayev explains.
“At MarinTel, we focus on maritime electronics and navigation, staying at the forefront of technological innovation. We actively participate in trade shows and are members of various professional societies. I also lead our R&D department, closely monitoring advancements in maritime radio communications.”
Khojayev’s leadership has helped push MarinTel’s expansion, including the recent acquisition of Transoceana, which broadened their product portfolio and reinforced their commitment to maritime safety.
A notable project in the Solomon Islands, one of the most remote locations globally, MarinTel developed a maritime safety application tailored to the specific needs of the region.
“Last December, I visited there, and we secured the project thanks to an innovative solution developed by our software team under my supervision,” he says. “It was challenging due to the industry’s resistance to change, but we pushed through. The project is still in progress, but we’re confident it will be successful.”
MarinTel is commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable solutions to developing countries, particularly in regions where costly systems are not feasible.
The Impact of the Blue MBA
A major turning point in Khojayev’s career came when he decided to pursue the Blue MBA at Copenhagen Business School. He credits his decision to the inspiration he received from Mrs. Irene Rosberg, the Programme Director, who interviewed him before joining the programme.
“The most significant factor in my decision to join the Blue MBA programme was the inspiration I received from Mrs. Irene Rosberg. She interviewed me and played a crucial role in guiding me throughout the two years I was there. Her support is something I will always remember,” Khojayev reflects.
“It immediately brought back great memories of my university days, and I felt it was the right step for my professional growth,” he reflects.
The Blue MBA provided Khojayev with insights that have directly influenced his leadership style and decision-making processes. Real-life case studies of major leader in companies both within the sector and outside of the sector offered valuable lessons in leadership and strategy.
“These cases have been directly applicable to my role, improving my decision-making and team leadership,” Khojayev notes.
The diversity of Khojayev’s cohort at the Blue MBA was a major asset to his learning experience, exposing him to a variety of perspectives and enriching his understanding of global business best practices and challenges.
“With classmates from over 15 different countries, I was constantly exposed to a variety of perspectives, which enriched my understanding of global business, challenges and opportunities. The diversity wasn’t just theoretical; it has practical, lasting value.”
Once, while in class, Khojayev received a text from his sales agent about a tender opportunity in Mozambique, a region MarinTel had not previously operated in.
“I was concerned about how to approach this, given our locations in Azerbaijan and Dubai, but then I remembered that one of my classmates, Amado, was from Mozambique. He kindly introduced me, and just the next day, I was invited to submit a bid. We ended up winning that tender, which opened up a whole new market for us in Mozambique.”
A Culture Continuous Learning
MarinTel’s commitment to continuous learning is reflected in the fact that three of its leaders, including Khojayev, have graduated from the Blue MBA programme. He attributes this shared experience as a driving factor in the company’s growth.
“The fact that three of us at MarinTel have invested in and graduated from the Blue MBA is a testament to its value.”
Reflecting on his career, Khojayev emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the face of technological advancements. “If I could do things differently, I would have started my research into radio navigation right after graduating from university. This journey has taught me the value of continuous learning and staying flexible with new technologies,” he shares.
Khojayev is grateful for the opportunities the Blue MBA has provided, crediting the programme for expanding his company and developing his leadership abilities. He attributes much of this to the mentorship and support of Irene Rosberg, the Programme Director, and the faculty at CBS.
“Irene not only inspired me but also motivated two of my colleagues from the Baku and Dubai offices to join the Blue MBA. They graduated in 2021 and 2023, respectively, and we all share the same sentiment: Irene is an exceptional mentor and we are deeply grateful. Participating in the Blue MBA has been invaluable to our company’s growth.”
Looking ahead, Khojayev plans to continue his education and remain at the forefront of industry trends. “Balancing this with my current responsibilities is challenging, but continuous learning is essential nowadays and I enjoy it.”
He also highlights the value of the Blue MBA programme: “The connections, high-level knowledge, and experiences gained from the Blue MBA are unparalleled in this industry. I would recommend the programme to anyone.”
