“Family is a source of energy to always give the best of myself!”
Young and passionate: that is the first impression one has of Maxime Van Geenbergue, Managing Director of the Moroccan subsidiary of the Swiss Group Panalpina. An impression that is confirmed when he talks about his work, his family and his passion for nature: “I would certainly have enjoyed being an oceanographer. I love being close to the sea. I have a particular fascination for marine mammals.”
Arrival in Morocco…
In 2008, after obtaining a Master’s in International Trade at the Université Lamartine in Dunkirk and then a Master’s in Transport and Logistics at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Canada, as part of a university exchange, Maxime Van Geenberghe took part in France’s International Volunteer Programme in Business (VIE), which allows French nationals aged 18 to 28 to work abroad. “As part of the VIE, I came to Morocco in 2008 to develop a back office on behalf of the consulting firm Leyton… After two years, I went back to my roots, transport and logistics, by becoming Panalpina’s interface with the Moroccan logistics company TIMAR”, he recalls. This is how, at the end of 2014, Maxime Van Geenberghe set up Panalpina’s Moroccan office, thus opening a new chapter in his professional life.
The Panalpina Morocco adventure
The idea of founding a company had always been on Maxime Van Geenberghe’s mind. So he did not hesitate to take the plunge when the Group gave him carte blanche to open Panalpina Morocco: “Despite the Group’s financial and technical support, the challenge was considerable. First of all, we had to surround ourselves with the right people in order to be operational and efficient very quickly.” Challenge met, since from the very first year Panalpina Morocco exceeded the expected results in a highly competitive market. Growth that steered the company towards commercial development, notably around new products such as perishables and the opening of new routes to West Africa.
“My greatest achievement…”
“Seeing my teams thrive at Panalpina Morocco is a daily satisfaction. I am lucky to work with people committed to the success of our company.” Professional success reinforced by the unconditional support of his family and those close to him: “My wife and my adorable children, a two-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl, enable me to face everyday challenges. Family is a source of energy to always give the best of myself!”
A nature lover
Apart from his passion for work, instilled by his parents, his mentors in life, Maxime Van Geenberghe loves walking in the great outdoors. “Morocco is a life-size playground that should be enjoyed to the full. We have the sea, the mountains, the hinterland… for surfing at the weekend, walking, hiking… everything I love doing.”
If you were…
A colour… ?
Green, symbol of hope and nature.
A personality… ?
Jacques-Yves Cousteau, “Commandant Cousteau”, for his commitment.
An animal…?
The eagle.
A dish…?
Bœuf bourguignon.
A film…?
Live and Become. by Radu Mihaileanu.
A book… ?
Le club des incorrigibles optimistes by Jean-Michel Guenassia.
A song…?
Get up, stand up by Bob Marley.