Lila Landis, LCB, CUSECO, CCEP-I, has dedicated her career to global trade compliance. International trade requires a working knowledge of complex regulations, risk management, and operational efficiency. Few understand this better than Landis, the chief compliance officer of SEKO Logistics. She has made it her mission to help businesses meet legal requirements in multifaceted regulatory environments. With a career spanning over 17 years, she has overcome bureaucratic hurdles through innovation, collaboration, and dedication to her craft.
Future-Ready Compliance
Landis envisions trade compliance as an effortless integration of business operations and regulatory adherence. She aims to achieve this by leading SEKO Logistics’ global compliance initiatives across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Landis assures SEKO Logistics that it aligns with the guidelines of Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, and other key agencies.
Landis’ role demands more than an understanding of current regulations. It also requires anticipating changes. There is increased scrutiny on e-commerce and De Minimis shipments under Type 86. “The liability of customs brokers for De Minimis shipments is becoming a critical issue,” Landis explains. She has set herself apart as a thought leader in this space.
Growth Through Collaboration and Mentorship
Landis greatly values collaboration. She is involved in the International Compliance Professionals Association and founded a local networking group in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She gathers with compliance professionals to share insights, challenges, and best practices. “Staying connected with the community is essential,” Landis emphasizes. “It’s about creating a support system where we can all learn from each other and stay ahead of the curve.”
Mentorship is another practice Landis holds in high regard. Two of her direct reports were promoted into leadership roles during her time at Lockheed Martin. “Seeing my mentees succeed is one of the proudest moments of my career,” she says. Even as she climbs the corporate ladder, Landis remains committed to helping the next generation of compliance professionals find their footing in the industry.
Balancing Compliance and Safety
One of Landis’ standout achievements at SEKO Logistics is her development of a comprehensive global health and safety program spanning over 40 countries. In an industry that often places speed and efficiency over worker well-being, Landis’ initiative is a breath of fresh air. The program improves safety protocols for employees of SEKO Logistics and contractors while demonstrating how compliance can be a force for good. “For me, compliance isn’t just about meeting legal requirements — it’s about creating environments where people can work safely and businesses can grow responsibly,” she reflects.
Landis’ leadership in global trade compliance has drawn praise. She has received numerous accolades, including the Marquis Who’s Who Top Executive, the Take A Bow Award, and the Spotlight Award from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.
A Vision for Trade Compliance Education
One of Landis’ long-term goals is to develop a comprehensive university trade compliance curriculum. This field is often overlooked in academic settings despite its growing importance. “We need to create a pipeline of professionals ready to tackle the challenges of global trade,” she says. “That starts with education.”
Landis’ vision is to establish a degree program that provides aspiring compliance officers the tools they need to succeed in a globalized world. If her track record is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before this vision becomes a reality. Through her work, Landis has proven compliance is a cornerstone of global business success.
