Listen to the interview in French only (mp3, 3.7 MB)
After graduating from the ESCI international business school in 2000, I began my career with Vallourec at CSNE in Houston, working in the division specializing in products for power plants. My role involved interfacing between our European plants and the Group's major American customers.
I followed this experience with a move to the corporate marketing team, where I had responsibility for market research in the energy sector. My activities included assessing, compiling and analyzing data in order to predict future market trends. The most valuable aspect of this function is the ability to make reliable predictions in radically changing environments.
In 2005, after spending three years at corporate headquarters, I moved to Beijing to manage a new marketing function in the subsidiary V & M Tubes. I now represent all Vallourec divisions in the Chinese market, in a support role aimed at better understanding this fast-changing market.
In practical terms, I carry out market research, which gives me a basis on which to draw up product-by-product marketing plans and sales forecasts.
I am also in charge of Vallourec's communications in China. This involves a wide range of activities including creating sales brochures, updating our website, representing the Group at conferences and organizing events.
My work also involves dealing with other cross-divisional issues, such as the recent implementation of the SAP software solution at V & M Beijing.
The factors that attracted me to Vallourec include:
- the broad spectrum of markets, including energy, industry, mechanical engineering and architecture
- the Group's international scale and opportunities for expatriates
- the challenging objectives
- the degree of independent working
- the emphasis on human relationships
Looking to the future, I hope to continue my career in the purchasing or sales and marketing businesses, or possibly in IT.