Olivier is the driving force behind AXSMarine’s operational success, cultivating a culture of innovation and efficiency that helps the company achieve its ambitious goals.
How did your journey at AXSMarine start?
After working at Bureau Veritas, I joined an IT company as a consultant and was assigned to manage a project at BRS. About a year later, when Tim Jones from BRS created AXSMarine, he invited me to join as CTO—or, as I like to joke, “CTO of myself.”
The three of you seem very different from each other – what kept you together and how did you make it work?
It’s true, we are very different. But what has always united us is our passion for AXSMarine, its mission, and our shared drive to get things done. That common purpose has always been the driving force.
How do you feel now at AXSMarine?
I feel a mix of pride and gratitude. Pride, because AXSMarine has grown from a small startup into a recognized leader in maritime IT. Gratitude, because of the trust, collaboration, and friendships built along the way.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see the next chapter unfold.
Can you share a memorable experience—funny or challenging—from your time at the company?
I vividly remember the early days of our Sofia office, when the entire Bulgarian tech team—maybe ten people at the time—came to my desk together, all looking very serious. I thought, “Oh no, what major issue do we have now? Is it a strike?” (I’m French, after all, and strikes are almost a national sport!)
But instead, they said very sincerely: “We’re so happy to work here. Thank you.” And then they walked away. It’s one of those moments that filled my heart with joy and has stayed with me ever since.
Are the challenges today different than when you began working at AXS?
Challenges have evolved a lot over the years, and AXSMarine has grown stronger by embracing those changes. I believe that if you think nothing needs to change, you’re probably missing something. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed driving change within the company and seeing how it helps us move forward.
What is your biggest lesson learned at AXS?
That people matter more than technology. If you keep your clients happy and build a team based on trust, everything else will follow.
How has AXSMarine and its culture changed over the years, and what values remain key to its success?
From a three-person shop to a company of more than 200, our culture has naturally evolved. But one thing I value deeply is that many colleagues have been with us for 10, even 20 years.
What has remained constant is the importance of trust, fairness, and giving meaning to everything we ask of each other. Listening to feedback—and treating it as an opportunity to evolve—has also been fundamental to our success.
What pivotal moments or decisions most shaped the company’s journey to where it is today?
One stands out for me, especially now that AI has become “the thing”: introducing machine learning—first in our Position Reader in 2005, and then on a much larger scale in the 2010s, long before it was fashionable.
