At AXSMarine, Jacques serves as a visionary yet approachable leader, steering the company’s growth with a hands-on approach to innovation and a strong dedication to nurturing talented teams, ensuring we excel in the maritime sector.
How did your journey at AXSMarine start?
I had over 20 years of shipbroking experience and a strong passion for quality data, having supported the Alphaliner journey since 2000 while also working as a shipbroker. When I became CEO of AXSMarine, I had no IT skills (and I am still no such expert), but I always understood the value that technology can bring. I often say that tech expertise alone is worth little in the world of supporting commercial and chartering decisions. I’ve always been driven by the wish to combine data and technology in a way that delivers the best possible workflows. This has not fundamentally changed, and I don’t see why it should.
The three of you seem very different from each other – what kept you together and how did you make it work?
Beware of appearances! Yes, we are different—and lucky to be so. If the three of us were the same, we wouldn’t be able to complement and support one another. Our differences actually make us stronger. Sometimes we have very different views, but that’s what helps mature our decisions. Even if we may "completely disagree" at first, we eventually align and agree as a team.
How do you feel now at AXSMarine?
Looking back, I’m proud of how we’ve grown the company and our teams. Looking ahead, there’s still so much we want to achieve, and that continues to fuel my motivation every day.
Can you share a memorable experience—funny or challenging—from your time at the company?
As a shipbroker, I was a very demanding user. I pushed IT people hard to deliver what I needed, often saying, “but it’s very easy!”—without really appreciating the work required. On this side of the table, I realize I wasn’t always right. I certainly annoyed a number of people back then, starting with Olivier. Today, we can laugh about it together.
Are the challenges today different than when you began working at AXS?
Challenges are permanent—whether it’s continuously improving our solutions or staying ahead in a competitive landscape. Back in 2000, there were probably 80 startups, all claiming they would disrupt the market with new concepts like online freight fixing or auctions, as if saying it was enough to make it happen. Many copycat initiatives have come and gone, often fueled by investment but unable to sustain the scale required for success.
The real players today are better organized. AIS data, which only became available about 15 years ago, has helped the industry mature significantly in three key areas:
- Better transparency of supply/demand in chartering
- Monitoring commodity flows
- Sanctions and compliance monitoring
The maritime landscape is now far more regulated, sophisticated, and complex. The high volatility of physical freight and derivatives reflects this. Cost of emissions and ESG policies add layers of complexity, and we are helping our clients manage these challenges. Stakeholders care to varying degrees about their eco-footprint. Reporting is just one aspect—but more importantly, the cost of this eco-impact forces the industry to evolve and make more efficient economic decisions. Ultimately, that’s the goal. No criticism there—it supports the path to a greener world.
What is your biggest lesson learned at AXS?
If you ever believe the work is done and you can sit back and relax—then you’re done! But I’d say that’s also a broader life lesson.
