Leadership

Fabrice LE SACHÉ

Fabrice Le Saché is a pioneering leader in the environmental commodity trading sector. As the Founder and President of Aera Group, Fabrice has been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory from its inception, establishing it as the first developer and trader of African carbon credits and a key player in the carbon credits market.

Fabrice’s strategic acumen has enabled the structuring and closing of spot and forward transactions with a cumulative market value exceeding €500 million. He has successfully expanded Aera Group’s commercial footprint across more than 25 African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Mauritius, and Morocco. Additionally, he has forged trading relationships with over 150 counterparties, including leading global oil and gas companies, banks, commodity traders, and investment firms across Europe, North America, and Asia.

As President, Fabrice plays a crucial role in representing Aera Group within the industry, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering strategic partnerships. He is a prominent voice in the media and a thought leader in the Carbon Market, regularly sharing insights that shape industry discourse.

In addition to his role at Aera Group, Fabrice serves since 2018 as Vice-President of MEDEF, the largest employer federation in France. In this capacity, he advocates for the interests of businesses, shaping policies that foster sustainable economic growth.
Fabrice holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Comparative International Law from the University of San Diego School of Law, a Master’s degree in International Public Law from Université Paris-II Panthéon-Assas, and a diploma in International Relations from the Institut des Hautes Études Internationales at Université Paris La Sorbonne.

 

Aurélie LEPAGE

Aurélie Lepage is Founder and CEO of Aera Group, where she plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic direction and ensuring operational excellence. With a keen focus on administration and back-office operations, Aurélie is instrumental in maintaining the financial health and compliance of the organization. She oversees the financial department, internal reporting, human resources, and ensures adherence to regulatory standards while interacting with governmental agencies and authorities.

Under Aurélie’s leadership, Aera has achieved significant milestones, establishing itself as a leader in the carbon credit market in Africa. Her strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been crucial in building the technical expertise that positions Aera with the largest carbon track record on the continent, marked by pioneering certifications and an unparalleled number of carbon credit issuances.

Aurélie has been a driving force behind Aera’s innovative approach to workplace flexibility, conceptualizing and implementing a fully flexible office model. This digital transformation has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also fostered a culture of autonomy and diversity within the company. By decentralizing decision-making and empowering employees, Aurélie has cultivated an environment where innovation and agility thrive.

In her day-to-day operations, Aurélie manages relationships with a wide array of suppliers and partners, including accounting firms, auditors, cybersecurity experts, and legal counsel. Her hands-on approach ensures that Aera maintains the highest standards of quality and compliance across all facets of its operations.

Beyond her executive role at Aera, Aurélie is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for sustainability. She developed a biogas production plant in French Bretagne region, which processes agricultural residues into organic compost and supplies biomethane to the local gas network. Through her personal investment company, Harmattan, she supports ventures focused on climate transition, water protection, and pesticide reduction, reflecting her dedication to environmental stewardship.

Aurélie holds a degree in Life Sciences from the University of Rennes I and an engineering degree in Environmental Industrial Engineering from UniLaSalle-Rennes. Her academic background, combined with her strategic acumen and operational expertise, makes her an invaluable leader in driving Aera’s mission and growth.

Nicolas HYACINTHE

Nicolas Hyacinthe joined Aera in November 2021 as Deputy CEO, where he plays a crucial role in driving the company’s strategic and commercial development. With a robust background in both legal and management domains, Nicolas is instrumental in shaping Aera’s growth strategy and overseeing large-scale projects.

In his role, Nicolas leads business development initiatives and manages sales process, from identifying commercial leads to negotiating contracts. Nicolas is deeply involved in crafting commercial client offers and negotiating contractual terms, ensuring that Aera’s trading operations are supported by robust back-office functions, including registries, deliveries, and information systems. His strategic oversight extends to portfolio management and risk assessment, where he ensures that Aera’s key accounts are executed flawlessly.

As the head of large-scale strategic projects, Nicolas brings a comprehensive perspective to high-value initiatives, ensuring their successful execution and alignment with Aera’s strategic objectives. His contributions are pivotal in structuring the company’s growth strategy and overall corporate framework.

Prior to joining Aera, Nicolas held various senior corporate and legal positions in the mining industry in Africa, working with world-class assets valued at multi-billion dollars. His extensive experience includes roles at multinational corporations such as Glencore, where he contributed to over $200 billion in revenues, Norton Rose, a global law firm with over 50 offices worldwide, and Eurasian Resources Group, which employs 75,000 people across 15 countries. At Eurasian Resources Group, Nicolas served as the General Counsel for the Africa Region, leading a team of 15 legal professionals and serving as a member of the Executive Committee. He also held directorships in over 10 operating and corporate subsidiaries across the continent, including DR-Congo, Zambia, South Africa, Mali, Mozambique, and Namibia. Additionally, Nicolas managed the DR-Congo Head Office, overseeing up to 100 employees.

Nicolas is a graduate of the Institute of Business Law at Aix-Marseille University and holds a Master’s degree from HEC Business School. He was also admitted to the Paris Bar.

Alexandre DUNOD

Alexandre is Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Aera, where he plays a pivotal role in managing the technical expertise and driving the company’s advisory activities. His responsibilities encompass technical due diligence, project assessments, and technical support for environmental certification, ensuring that Aera delivers top-tier services to its clients.

As COO, Alexandre oversees the day-to-day operations of a seasoned team of engineers, including analysts and project managers. He is committed to ensuring that all assignments are conducted on time and with the highest degree of quality. His leadership fosters a culture of constant client care, continuous internal system reporting, and enhanced scientific integrity in all projects undertaken by Aera.

Alexandre represents Aera in technical interactions with international certification standards, including VCS Verra, Gold Standard, UNFCCC, GCC, and I-REC. His active participation in major market events such as COP, Africa Climate Week, I4C World Bank/IETA, and Green Climate Fund underscores his dedication to advancing the carbon industry. Alexandre is a regular panelist at carbon industry roundtables and workshops, where he shares Aera’s technical positions and insights. He also contributes to the Project Developer Forum (PD Forum), a dedicated professional association.

Prior to his current role, Alexandre’s academic and professional background equipped him with a unique blend of technical and financial expertise. He graduated from Ecole Centrale Paris as an engineer and holds an M.Sc. in Management of Technology from the National University of Singapore. Additionally, Alexandre is a CFA charterholder, demonstrating his proficiency in financial analysis and investment management.

Beyond his professional achievements, Alexandre is a volunteer mountain rescue and fire worker, reflecting his commitment to community service and safety.

Haashim GOBURDHUN

Haashim joined Aera in November 2021, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role of Chief Financial Officer. In this capacity, he is dedicated to overseeing all financial support functions and driving the financial strategy of the company.

One of Haashim’s key contributions has been the design and implementation of a comprehensive financial reporting framework that captures all critical figures and performance indicators. This system has enabled prudent and efficient cash flow management, including oversight of hedging, foreign exchange, and optimization operations, ensuring the financial stability and agility of Aera.

Haashim plays a pivotal role in the financial planning and analysis process, preparing the annual budget and closely monitoring its execution. He coordinates the publication of financial statements and leads the audit process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. His responsibilities also include preparing quarterly and annual financial reports and presentations for shareholders, providing full visibility of financial positions and fostering transparency.

In addition to his internal financial management duties, Haashim interacts with rating organizations to meet Aera’s credit rating requirements, reinforcing the company’s credibility and financial standing. He also oversees financial compliance and controls all external financial communications, ensuring that Aera maintains the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability.

Prior to joining Aera, Haashim held various senior finance positions in multinational corporations with assets and revenues across the financial services, pharmaceutical, and mining industries. His impressive career includes tenures at renowned organizations such as Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Aspen Global Incorporated, and Eurasian Resources Group. In his most recent role, Haashim served as the Head of Treasury and Shared Services for a group’s African operations, managing over 10 entities, and was the Executive Director of the Mauritian entity.

As a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience in the profession, Haashim is also a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).

Clémence PONS

Clémence serves as the Chief Compliance Officer at Aera, where she plays a crucial role in overseeing the company’s compliance framework and promoting a culture of integrity and ethical business conduct. In her position, Clémence is responsible for the onboarding of clients, counterparties, and suppliers, conducting thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) checks with systematic and regular verifications updates.

Reporting directly to the management executive committee, Clémence maintains up-to-date compliance reporting and dashboard databases, providing critical insights and data to support strategic decision-making. She is also instrumental in structuring and enhancing compliance digitalization tools, driving efficiency and effectiveness in compliance processes.
Clémence is the architect of Aera’s Code of Governance and Business Conduct, ensuring that the company adheres to all applicable laws and regulations. Her expertise and leadership are pivotal in fostering a compliance-centric environment that upholds the highest standards of ethical behaviour and regulatory adherence.

Prior to joining Aera, Clémence garnered extensive experience in the banking sector, working with major financial institutions for eight years. Her career includes tenures at BNP Paribas, the European Union’s leading bank with a presence in 65 countries and 190,000 employees, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole. Notably, Clémence spent two years in the Regulatory Department at Société Générale, where she experienced the establishment of MiFID 2, the regulation of financial markets.

Clémence holds a diploma in Economics and Law from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM) and has completed the Executive Master in Compliance program at Paris Dauphine University. 

Alexandre GOUBLE

Alexandre serves as the Commodity Portfolio Manager and Marketing Director at Aera, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing portfolio management and driving the company’s communication strategy. In his capacity, Alexandre supports day-to-day origination and sales operations by providing comprehensive data reporting, updating delivery schedules, and managing contractual risks, ensuring that Aera maintains a competitive edge in the market.

With a keen focus on optimizing internal processes, Alexandre is deeply involved in structuring the back-office operations to enhance efficiency and reliability. His efforts in implementing continuous process improvements have been instrumental in producing live flows of information that support strategic decision-making and operational excellence.

In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Alexandre leads Aera’s communication initiatives, developing cutting-edge marketing strategies to showcase the company’s projects to clients. He oversees Aera’s corporate identity and branding, ensuring a consistent and compelling brand message across all channels. Alexandre also drives social media and press relations, enhancing Aera’s visibility and reputation in the industry.

Prior to joining Aera, Alexandre gained valuable experience in communication roles at prominent organizations, including the largest business association in France (MEDEF) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world-renowned automotive championships such as Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship, and Formula E. His background in high-profile communication environments has equipped him with a unique perspective on strategic marketing and brand management.

Alexandre holds a Master’s degree in Management from the European Business School (EBS, Paris) and is also a graduate of Le Wagon, an international coding school in Paris.

Sophie GAUCHÉ

Sophie is the Director of Human Resources and Accounting at Aera, where she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s human capital and financial strategies since joining in May 2022. In her role, Sophie oversees the recruitment process, ensuring that Aera attracts and retains top talent.

As part of her responsibilities, Sophie supervises payroll and salary administration, manages employee contracts, and coordinates the work calendar and travel safety protocols. She is deeply committed to employee development, ensuring that each team member has access to training and skill enhancement through executive education programs and dedicated workshops. Sophie also conducts annual employee evaluations and ensures compliance with administrative reporting requirements.

On the accounting front, Sophie plays a crucial role in managing the invoicing process for clients and suppliers. She conducts daily accounting operations, oversees internal software systems, and interacts with statutory auditors, accountants, and banking partners. Sophie ensures that Aera meets its corporate obligations with tax administrations.

Prior to joining Aera, Sophie held several key accounting positions in prominent French retail groups, including Casino and the “U” banner. Her extensive experience includes serving as the HR and Accounting Manager at the Food & Beverage franchise Columbus Café & Co, where she supervised the accounting for over 10 companies, established monthly reporting, and prepared annual balance sheets.
Sophie holds a Master’s degree in Management, specializing in Economic and Social Administration, from the University of Angers.