Global energy and services group ENGIE is focused on low-carbon energy and related services. It operates in three key business sectors: low-carbon electricity generation (including natural gas and renewables), energy infrastructure, and customer solutions. ENGIE aims to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world through reduced energy consumption and environment-friendly solutions. In South Africa, ENGIE is a leading Independent Power Producer with over 1.6 GW in operation and 425 MW in construction.

Lea Giroux

Position: Head Business Development South Africa 
Date and place of birth: 2 February1985, in France
Education: Master’s in project finance and business management from the University of Paris
Management style: I like to lead with trust, clarity and a good dose of humour. I’m big on ownership and I’ll give you space to do your thing, but I’ll also be right there when and if needed. I believe in setting the bar high, and making sure the team feels supported (and seen) while reaching it.
Personal best achievement: Leading the BTE Renewables acquisition and integration into ENGIE South Africa. It was more than just a transaction. It was about aligning people, organisational culture and purpose. Helping reshape ENGIE’s long term commitments to the South African market, while building something sustainable and future-facing, was both intense and rewarding.
Persons you would like to meet: Zanele Muholi, for their art: powerful and unapologetic. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, I am a huge fan of her sharp writing, self-deprecating humour, and emotional chaos.
Philosophy of life: Stay curious. Be kind. Don’t fake who you are to fit in and don’t forget to laugh at least once a day, especially when things go sideways.
Message for women leaders: There’s no one way to lead, and that’s the point. You can be direct or quiet, fierce or soft, strategic or creative or all of it at once. Own your voice. Ask for what you’re worth. And when you open doors, leave them open for others too.

Thuli Moloto

Position: Human Resources Director
Date and place of birth: 30 June 1975, in Krugersdorp Leratong Hospital  (my mom worked there )
Education: BTech Degree in HRM
Management style: My management style  is empathetic transformational leadership, which is anchored in emotional intelligence, empathetic leadership and a commitment to cultivating inclusive environments where individuals are empowered, respected and aligned with the business' purpose. 
Personal best achievement: The journey itself. I qualified as a teacher many years ago and worked in the mines. From being in reception and steadily growing into the HR space, getting my HR qualification while raising my children and being present in their lives, shaping their values and direction for the future has been quite [challenging] but [also] my powerful and meaningful achievement. Today I stand here as an HR leader looking back with gratitude to God for carrying me through.  
Person you would most like to meet: Serena Williams. To me she is more than a tennis player, she is a force of nature. A masterclass in power, purpose and perseverance. She broke barriers, has shown that greatness is not just about winning, it is about enduring, evolving and empowering. She showed the world that Black women can be strong, soft, brilliant and bold.
Philosophy of life: Life is not just personal success. It is rooted in stewardship and purpose. I believe that we are all entrusted with gifts to serve, build, heal others and plant seeds that will continue to multiply long after we're gone.  In fact, my success is achieved when I make a positive difference in someone else's life. 
Message for other women leaders: Your presence as a leader matters. Your voice matters. Keep showing up even when it can be challenging at times. Keep advocating. Let's build networks of support, let's share our wisdom and support other women to rise. Lead with courage, empathy and conviction. Today needs our leadership and tomorrow needs the leadership of those strong women we groom today.  Remember "Motho ke motho ka batho". 

Seshni Naidoo 

Position: Head of Engineering 
Date and place of birth: 29 July 1984, in Durban 
Education: BSc Chemical Engineering (Hons), Advanced Diploma in Project Management (Cum Laude) and Masters in Business Administration (Cum Laude)
Management style: Servant leadership. I see myself as a shepherd. Shepherd leadership is a leadership style that emphasises service, care and guidance for the well-being of the team or group, much like a shepherd cares for their flock. It's characterised by nurturing, mentoring, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. This approach focuses on building strong relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring the overall health and growth of the group. 
Personal best achievement: Every milestone or award in my academic and professional career got me here, it’s the whole journey. From scholastic achievements in school, to representing South Africa at the Global Young Leaders Conference in the US, to the eight years I spent at Eskom Komati Power Station learning and contributing towards returning a 1950s coal power plant back to service in the early 2000s, to the sacrifices made for additional studies while working, to the many energy projects closed at ENGIE including solar PV, wind, CSP, OCGT and acquisition transactions, they are all meaningful in my growth and contribution to the energy sector and the country. It would not be possible without motivational parents and a supportive husband, even more meaningful now as it is also about contributing towards a bright future for my children.
Person you would most like to meet: I’d like to have dinner with Simon Sinek and talk to him about his concept of "start with why" and its application to leadership, business and personal motivation. I’d like to pick his brain on his research and views on leadership and the real world. 
Philosophy of life: I believe in continuous improvement in all aspects of life, one small step forward continuously will lead to compound growth. Everything in the world is cyclical: time, planets, life. There are ups and downs, there are periods of executing and periods of reviewing and periods of restarting, use those cycles as feedback loops to improve yourself and everything you do.
Message for other women leaders: You belong in every room you walk into.Whether it's a boardroom, a sports field, or a construction site — you have earned your place. Don't shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Be brave, take calculated risks, challenge the status quo and push for innovation, while remaining kind, caring and humble.

Zandile Nkone Kelem

Position and company name: CEO of Kathu Solar Park 
Main activity of company: Energy production from a 100 MW concentrated solar power plant with 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage
Date of birth:15 July 1986
Education: Charted Accountant of South Africa and pursuing a Bachelor of Law Degree 
Management style: My leadership approach balances empathy and understanding with clear expectations and accountability. 
Personal best achievement: In my career, being appointed a CFO at the age of 30; and on a personal level, giving birth to my twin boys.
Person you would most like to meet: Oprah Winfrey
Philosophy of life: Always do your best.
Message for other women leaders: Woman leadership is not only shaping industries but also shaping what's possible for generations to come. Keep leading boldly.

https://www.engie-africa.com/