Cameroon : Adèle Kamtchouang, from intern to CEO of Tropik Industries

Adèle Kamtchouang, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tropik industries, is an inspiring leader. In 1995, she integrates the import and export company as a trainee and in 2012, becomes the CEO. The Cameroonian businesswoman succeeds in saving the company from bankruptcy.

When Adèle Kamtchouang takes the reins of Tropik Industries in 2012, the company is in crisis. The corporate that distributes Unilever, Lesieur, Lactalis international, Marico products, has a huge loss result, considerable debts with financial institutions, international and local suppliers, huge amounts of customs fees… A chaotic situation that pushed Adèle Kamtchouang’s predecessor to resign.

But the woman who has climbed almost all the corporate ladder is determined to get the company back on its feet. She undertakes a process of recovery of the company. She negotiates with local banks to obtain financial support. She reduces staff costs, in particular the salaries of company executives. She decides to receive a quarter of her predecessor’s salary. She also negotiates with suppliers and various service providers, clearly explaining them the situation of the company and the risks incurred by all parties. In 2013, Tropik Industries makes profits, manages to repay its debts and reinvests its benefits to develop the business.

A feminist-minded businesswoman

In addition to improving the finances of the company, she decides to feminize the board of directors of the company since she is the only woman. In a few years, she achieves her goal. 6 of the 8 members of the management committee are women.

Today, Adèle Kamtchouang is not only the CEO of the import and export company, but also the main shareholder. She succeeded thanks to her determination and policy of proximity towards her customers : large chains, wholesalers, retailers… Tropik Industries now supplies 43 stores in Douala and 1,600 neighborhood stores. In a few years, the company has increased its storage capacity, from a warehouse of 1000m2 to 3 warehouses of 3000 m2 each. The company now aims not only to import, but also to develop its own range of products.

Adèle Kamtchouang holds a diploma in marketing from the Higher School of Economic and Commercial Sciences (ESSEC). In addition to her studies, she integrates Unilever as a trainee in the late 90s. At the end of her internship, she is hired as transit manager. In 2000, she is appointed as logistics manager and is the only woman in the management committee. In 2010, Unilever decides to withdraw from Cameroon. The committee buys back its shares and renames the company « Tropik industries S.A ». She becomes Deputy Director in charge of Supply Chain. In 2012, by decision of the company’s Board of Directors, she becomes CEO.