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Ms Cajoly – Addax Petroleum

Addax Petroleum is an international oil and gas, exploration and production company focused on Africa and the Middle East. The company has experienced significant growth since its inception and was successfully acquired by China Petrochemical Corporation (« Sinopec Group ») in August 2009. The company’s headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ms Marie-Gabrielle Cajoly © Patrick Preperier pour GBnews

The Company employs over 950 people of which more than 300 are in Nigeria.

Ms Marie-Gabrielle Cajoly is the Head of Corporate Communications & CSR. She has worked for the company since 2003. Interview with Ms Cajoly.

What is your educational background and how did you start with this company?

I have a Masters degree in Political Science and two Post-Masters degrees: one in Public Relations and the other in Socio-Economic Sciences. I also completed an International Executive MBA at the IMD Business School in Lausanne in 2009.
Eight years ago, I joined the Addax & Oryx Group, Addax Petroleum’s former parent company. At the time, the group needed someone to increase their visibility, and develop their image and public communications strategy. I set up the communications department before moving to Addax Petroleum. At that time, Addax Petroleum was about to be floated on the Toronto and London stock exchanges. I was asked by the top management to set up the communications department for this specific subsidiary and to work on the preparation for the IPO. There was a lot to do and external communication was key.

What are your main responsibilities in this position?

I am responsible for Addax Petroleum’s internal and external communications, which consists of managing corporate branding, reputation, and orchestrating all the company’s communication channels to explain its mission, vision, values and commitment to society. The purpose is to deliver consistent messages to its stakeholders. In 2007, I was entrusted to set up the company’s philanthropic Foundation. After the acquisition by Sinopec, the new management expressed the ambition to move the cursor beyond corporate philanthropy by making CSR an intrinsic part of Addax Petroleum’s business strategy. Since then, my responsibilities also include defining and implementing the CSR strategy, scorecards and action plans that contribute to delivering this ambition.

Ms Marie-Gabrielle Cajoly team © Patrick Preperier pour GBnews

Are you involved in Human Resources as well? How do you view HR management and what future recruitment plans does Addax Petroleum have?

Communications, CSR and Human Resources are different functions, but they are converging fields of activity which are very much related, especially within the changing context Addax Petroleum is going through at the moment. We are going through an interesting process of integration within the Sinopec Group. On the one hand, this implies recruiting new talents and motivating people, which is really the core focus of HR. On the other hand, it requires building the awareness of employees of common goals and clarifying the understanding of our new reality and strategy, both internally and externally. That is really the core focus of communications. Lastly, enhancing cross-cultural management skills from East to West and from North to South has become critical. More than 30 different nationalities work side by side at Addax Petroleum. International teamwork is a cornerstone of our life.

Addax Petroleum is a subsidiary of the Sinopec Group. How does it feel to be part of a Chinese-owned company and what have been the main differences in the way you work since Addax Petroleum was bought in 2009?

I have to say it is fascinating, challenging, and a great opportunity to learn. It opens new horizons. We work on a much larger business scale. Sinopec employs approximately one million people and is a fully integrated oil and gas group: the premier oil refiner in Asia, and the third largest worldwide. This has significantly expanded the scope of Addax Petroleum’s business relationships. Additionally, we are much more focussed on structure and standards than we used to be before the acquisition. Lastly, cultural differences between Western, African, Middle Eastern and Chinese people are very important. We may use the same words, but not mean the same thing. To share ideas and be efficient, one needs to develop the capacity to interact with others, work on interpersonal relations, question assumptions, and “think outside the box”.

How do you manage to balance your private and professional lives?
What are your interests or hobbies?

It’s getting better everyday! The new technologies are often seen as invasive. To me, they offer greater freedom and flexibility to balance work and private life. I am quite socially active and try to visit my family, who live abroad, as much as possible, which makes me travel quite a bit. However, I also need to save time for reflection and make sure that I do not let myself get swamped by the hurly burly of professional life.
As for hobbies, I go running. It helps me think and relieve daily stress whenever needed. I also read a lot. A good book is a good means of relaxation and contemplation.

What were the main obstacles you have faced in your career?

I would say time management. Every day is a challenge for me and I am afraid to say that it is a never ending story.

Ms Marie-Gabrielle Cajoly © Patrick Preperier pour GBnews

What advice could you offer to become a successful professional woman?

There are many extraordinary women working in different areas who represent models of success in multiple and varied ways. I am not sure I can advise anyone on this but my belief is that inner peace is essential. It is important to make sure that whatever you do is in line with whoever you are.

If you got married, would you ever consider giving up your career for your family? Why?

This is always a dilemma for a woman. Yet, being dedicated to a family can be a full-time job and a demanding career. Of course, it is a decision which needs to be made by the couple. If a woman, or a man, feels fulfilled by being at home with his/her family and children, and can manage to do it, well, why not?

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

It is a difficult question. Somebody close to me recently told me that I have a positive way of thinking. I like the idea and would like to nurture this attitude. Though I am often too impatient which is something I would like to change! The third word could be “trusting”. I have trust in people and in life.

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