"Creativity. Everyone has it but few use it".

Meet Ivan Jakovlević, SVP of Operations at Ink. He channels his love of rap into solving complex challenges for airlines.

Published
October 23, 2024
reading time
2 minutes

Ivan Jakovlević’s career spans logistics and aviation. He started at DHL before moving to Sky Partner and eventually joining Ink. Over the years, he has focused on improving systems, managing teams, and leading product development, including the ongoing upgrade of Ink’s Load Control system. Outside of work, Ivan enjoys writing and recording rap music, a creative outlet he has pursued since he was 15.

From logistics to aviation

Ivan started his career at DHL, working in customs logistics. It was a practical introduction to managing operations, solving problems, and handling processes end-to-end. Later, he moved into aviation at Sky Partner, a company focused on centralised load control. Over time, Ivan’s role grew as the company expanded, and he eventually managed international operations. This mix of logistics and aviation shaped his understanding of what’s needed to build reliable systems and processes.

Joining Ink

Five years ago, Ivan joined Ink. What attracted him was the chance to create something new instead of just maintaining existing systems. Starting as VP of Flight Systems, his first job was to lead the roadmap for products like Load Control, Turnaround Management, and BRS (Baggage Reconciliation System).

“I wanted to work somewhere where innovation and practicality went hand in hand,” he says.

Over time, his responsibilities expanded to include setting up support and operations teams, scaling Ink’s presence internationally, and creating structured processes to support growth.

Leading the Load Control upgrade

As the Load Control product owner, Ivan has been instrumental in overseeing the system’s upgrade. He focuses on ensuring that every enhancement aligns with real-world needs, offering clear benefits for customers and teams alike. He prioritises solutions that deliver tangible value over unnecessary features.

People first

Ivan describes his leadership approach as practical and focused on people.

“You have to understand what each team member brings to the table and align their strengths with the company’s goals,” he says.

He sees mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve. Over the years, he’s realised that growth takes time and that not everyone thrives in every role. Matching individuals’ skills with the right tasks has become one of his key approaches to leadership.

A creative outlet: Ivan’s love for rap

Outside of work, Ivan expresses his creativity through writing and recording rap music, a passion he’s pursued since he was 15. “It’s like keeping a diary—reflecting on life, relationships, and the world around me,” he shares. For Ivan, it’s a way to decompress and shift his focus from work pressures. This creative balance offers him fresh energy and perspective for the challenges he faces in his professional life.

Looking ahead

Now, as Senior Vice President of Operations, Ivan’s role is broader. He continues to oversee the Load Control upgrade while improving Ink’s delivery processes and scaling its operational capabilities. His focus remains on creating solutions that solve real problems for our customers.

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