Pascal Portevin newly appointed Chairman of Voltimum SA talks about his vision for the future.
Succeeding Michel Touzeau of Philips, Pascal Portevin, Vice President, Strategic Activities of Nexans was nominated new Chairman of Voltimum in July 2006 and in this article answers important questions about his vision for the future.
"What is your vision of Voltimum after five years of existence?
A: Voltimum is an exceptional achievement, whose primary goal was and remains for its shareholders and partners to promote their brands and their values to “electricians “ and a wide range of professionals.
To achieve this goal, our target remains clear; the development of a portal that will become a daily essential tool for professionals.
This dual vision is as important for us today as it ever was because the risk coming from “ generic “ products remains a permanent threat.
Furthermore, every day we get further confirmation that the use of Internet is growing, a phenomenon which is amplified by technological improvements and accelerated as younger generations come of age.
What is Nexans’ commitment to Voltimum and what are your perspectives ?
A: Nexans, as a founding shareholder, is more than ever convinced of the effectiveness and importance of the Voltimum project.
The world of electricians is an important target for our group and Voltimum fully belongs to our marketing strategy for this segment in the countries where we can use this initiative as a vector.
Our commitment and interest intensify as we increasingly see the value and the opportunities that Voltimum brings to our organization.
This interest will keep on growing : As use of Internet grows, the habits of the professional will change; Voltimum will help us to stay at the forefront of these changes..
What will be your personal role ?
A: My first ambition is to maintain the interest and the motivation of the shareholders in Voltimum so that they become even stronger over the next two years.
My predecessors have been very good at this, and my ambition is to continue the good work they have started.
My second aim is, together with the Voltimum team and the shareholders, to allow Voltimum to acquire financial independence and stability with the means to grow and develop in the future – which is a perfectly normal aim for any sound business.
Finally, I do hope that the next two years will see a greater penetration of the electrica l installation industry by the Internet. This will give Voltimum more opportunities to become the essential e-partner of electricians.
All these should allow Bruno Hamon, Voltimum’s CEO, and myself to give our managers and employees the motivation to continue developing the company and attract the best individuals to join us.
What are your expectations ?
A : Not to expect, but always to guide, suggest, stimulate ..... ultimately to ensure that our teams in Voltimum have the necessary support and skills to build upon the dynamics we have created.
Our shareholders are groups which have a reputation for high quality in all aspects of their business and constantly strive to deliver satisfaction for their customers; Voltimum must be their ideas laboratory for the Internet."
Published: 10th July 2006