Tell us a bit about yourself and how long you’ve been at AmSpec.
I joined AmSpec in November 2025. Previously, I worked for international inspection companies for 25 years, notably as Regional Director for West, Central, and East Africa. I hold a Master’s degree in Finance, but I started my career as a Supply Chain Manager for a small independent oil company in France, where I was responsible for petroleum imports by vessel, pipeline supply operations, and inland distribution logistics.
You oversee TIC operations across an incredibly diverse continent. What does a typical day look like for you as Director of Operations for Africa?
As you know, Africa is a continent with more than 50 countries. The petroleum supply chain in each country is different; therefore, a strong understanding of the operational environment and oil industry stakeholders in each country is essential to operate successfully in Africa and to develop AmSpec’s business across the continent.
A typical day involves close interaction with the teams and managers in each country and requires availability and responsiveness to help resolve operational challenges. It must also include a strong human dimension to ensure that our teams have the necessary resources to deliver the highest level of service to our clients.
Finally, every day in our industry involves frequent contact with our clients to ensure their satisfaction, which is a key condition for the continuous growth of our business throughout Africa.
How do you balance standardization (global TIC processes) with localization (adapting to each country’s specific rules and infrastructure realities)?
Adjustments are necessary in each country to take local conditions into account, without ever compromising international standards or AmSpec’s rules and procedures.
How do you measure success for your role? Is it revenue growth, safety metrics, turnaround times, or something else?
It is a combination of all. However, to be successful and ensure AmSpec runs a profitable business and returns the CapEx invested by the group, it is key to make sure our staff is proud to work for AmSpec. This is the only way we can sustain expansion and make our clients happy.
What skills are you looking to develop in your local operations leaders right now? Where do you see the biggest talent gaps in the African TIC sector?
There is a great deal of talent in Africa. Many young professionals have strong academic backgrounds, and we can easily find people with extensive field experience in our industry. Therefore, the main thing we need to ensure when they join us is that they embrace AmSpec’s culture and the AmSpec way
A lot of infrastructure investment is flowing into Africa (roads, ports, energy). How should TIC companies like ours position themselves to support that growth effectively?
It is essential to stay closely attuned to the markets and to the clients operating and investing in Africa. Africa is a continent with a very young and rapidly growing population, and its industrialization is well underway. As a result, numerous opportunities are emerging for AmSpec, and we must seize them at the source
If you weren’t in operations, what other role in the TIC world would you try for a month? None. Managing and developing operations in the TIC is my passion.
When you’re not in the office, what can we find you doing?
I love running. I have run 14 marathons and keep exercising. I can only run a half-marathon now since my legs remind me I am not 25 any longer, and my next half-marathon will be early June in Normandy along the D-Day beaches. I also play bass guitar and can read sheet music written in bass clef.
What’s your #1 piece of advice for someone aspiring to become a regional director in this industry?
Make your staff happy and proud of being part of AmSpec.
Finally, coffee or tea, and what’s your order?
Coffee in moderation and plenty of water to recover from running sessions.