Road

Not everybody is lucky enough to see their company as a second home. James, however, can make just such a claim. In 1999, this young civil engineering graduate carried out his end-of-studies internship at Screg Sud-Est, Colas’ former road subsidiary, in Annecy, in the Haute-Savoie region of eastern France. He stayed on there as a project engineer until 2005, having spent a year at Thonon-les-Bains overseeing the preparatory works for the town’s major bypass project. In January 2006, he moved to Geneva to join Colas Suisse. Promoted to “asphalt mix” sector manager in 2011, he was appointed center manager in 2012. James loves skiing and hiking. As he explains, “mountains are a vital part of my life, they allow me to breathe and spend quality time with my family.” James’ career path to date has been shaped by the opportunities that have come along. “I like a bit of action! Being an entrepreneur is about adapting, putting the right people in the right places and making sure we are all working towards the same goal in a friendly atmosphere.” Between customer relations, people management, seeking new business and ensuring safety at all times, “the center operates just like an SME.” While adhering to the procedures set by the Group’s general management, James enjoys the autonomy Colas gives him day-to-day. This go-getter only ever looks back to learn from his experiences. As further proof of his enthusiasm, James accepted two new responsibilities: manager of Tecvia SA, an asphalt plant and materials recycling platform, in 2013, and of Amiante Exit, a company specializing in asbestos removal, in 2018. Demonstration of his “extremely broad range of interests.”
 

Over the course of a career spanning twenty-three years, thirteen of which spent at Colas, Sébastien has worked in Reunion Island, French Guiana, Mauritius, central Africa, southern Africa and east Africa. Now based in Senegal in his role as Deputy Technical Manager for Central Africa and West Africa, he is the “technical go-to man” for countries where Colas operates. His remit includes examining technical solutions for calls for bids, providing technical support to projects and industries, control, laboratory management and team supervision. “We also develop our products and techniques working closely with the Campus for Science and Techniques, based at Magny-les-Hameaux, at all times”, explains this rugby fan, who fosters team spirit day-to-day. In Senegal, bitumen emulsions and the first cold mixes were recently developed, tested and manufactured by Colas. “It isn’t the norm here yet. Bitumen emulsion and its derivatives represent real progress and open up new opportunities”, concludes Sébastien.