Angolan rail operator Lobito Atlantic Railways (LAR) on August 19 announced the appointment of Nicholas Fournier CEO and Alexandre Canas chairperson, marking the formal separation of the two roles.

With the LAR having a new executive committee and enhanced board leadership, the company is set for stronger governance as it enters a critical phase of operational expansion.

The LAR’s enhanced governance structure will help ensure clear delineation of leadership responsibilities and more effective strategic positioning, while supporting the LAR’s mission to build essential transport infrastructure for Angola’s economic development and regional integration.

Fournier has more than 20 years of experience in strategic management, operations and business development globally, while Canas brings to the position more than 25 years of experience in strategic leadership, financial management and business development across international markets, including Brazil, the Netherlands, Mozambique, the UK and Angola.

The LAR’s board also includes Manual Mota as vice-chairperson, Julien Rolland, Roberto Ferreira, Dmitry Miller, António Graça, Eric Peiffer, Tiago Ferraria and Ottoniel Manuel.

Notably, the executive committee includes COO Nicolas Gregoir, CFO Domingos Silva and Nuno Frota.

Fournier says the LAR has exceptional potential to transform transport and trade across Angola and surrounds.

“We are proud to operate a transport corridor that is open to all customers and already delivering significant benefits to mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“Together with the management team, we will focus on further optimising the railway’s efficiency and capacity, while expanding the minerals terminal operations at the Port of Lobito,” he adds.

In turn, Canas expresses his support to the executive team for ensuring the company is well-equipped to meet its ambitious objectives and building partnerships that support long-term growth and sustainable development in the region.

LAR is responsible for the modernisation, maintenance and operation of a 1 300 km railway line that connects the Port of Lobito to Luau on Angola’s border with the DRC. The company has a 30-year concession in place to this effect.