We are Entegra: Alban Pesquet, Managing Director, Germany

Learn more about Alban Pesquet, Managing Director in Germany.

How did you get to this position?

It Started 4 years ago when I joined Entegra as director of support functions for France/Belgium/Netherlands (Finance, Analytics, Systems), then I took the role of Head of development for Entegra in Europe which allowed me to support the opening of Italy, Spain and Germany. 2 years ago, I took the role of Head of Performance/Strategical Project for all European Countries. Since July 2021, I have been also double hatting as Germany Managing Director.

What drew you to this field? 

Hasard, Luck, Passion, Curiosity

I entered Sodexo Group 15 years ago in Finance at HQ, to implement Group Financial Reporting Process/Tool. I have then multiplied several other experiences. My last position at Sodexo was Financial Controller for Global Services Operations. At that time, Entegra US was managed by Global Service Operations and so I oversaw the controlling, Then the Company decided to acquire a company called “PSL” (now Entegra UK) to launch/expend the activity in Europe. The Managing Director of Entegra UK was Daniel Wilson at that time, and he offered me to join the journey… which I never regretted.

Where did you go to school? 

Rouen University (Rouen/France), EM Lyon (Lyon/France), Thunderbird School of Global Management (Phoenix/US)

What did you study? 

Economics & Psychology (Master), Finance (Msc), International Management (MBA)

How long have you been with this company? 

15 years total with Sodexo, including 4 ½ years at Entegra

Which has been more valuable in your career, your education or your experience? 

Every various experience: I feel lucky having been able to experience them all. From my education to the sports’ competition, the animation of kids’ summer camp, internships, professional experiences, last but not least, personal experiences. Today I am happy in what I’m doing cause I can interconnect all my experiences.

What was your first job? 

First job: Animator for kids in Summer Camp

First long-term contract: Analyst in Merger & Acquisition

What skills did you develop early in your career? 

My experience in Sports brought me many things: self-control, ambition, ability to perform under pressure. Besides that, I have strong analytical skills combined with emotional drivers.

What skills have you found vital to your job? 

Active listening, understanding client needs, resilience and ability to challenge status quo.

How has the industry changed since you started? 

First, and due to Covid crisis, people aim at having stronger professional/personal life balance and to look after more sense at work. This has especially impacted hospitality market.

Second, due to growing inflation (and so general price increase), we are push to continuously better show/make tangible the value we bring. (Performance always being relative to something).  My vision is that Entegra not only creates value by providing procurement services, but also by having the ability to measure what can be intangible.

What is the culture like at your company? 

Spirit of Progress, Service Spirit, Entrepreneurship Spirit, Resilience and Humility.

Ability to listen everyone’s voice, from the intern to the client up to the CEO.

What organizational challenges have you faced? 

I have faced many challenges that allowed me to learn and grow. Most of the time I have experienced the fact that when a team shares the same spirit and build a common vision, then they become able to thrive.

How do you create motivation for yourself and for your team? 

First I build my own vision, then I translate this into targets (not only financial ones). Most of the time my motivation comes from a team goal that I like to drive and reach thanks to a collective approach.

What are your daily habits? 

Saying hello and spending time with the people I love/my family,

Watching the news and the sports results (American sports)

Is there a quote that motivates you? 

I have 2: 

“Don’ min’ de Noise in de market, watch de price o’ de Fish” àDon’t let little things distract you from what really matters – Unknow from Bahamas

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” - Albert Einstein.