June 2009 - Alabama State Port Authority

Alabama Seaport Magazine “At the Helm”
Since its inception in Oslo, Norway, in the nineteenth century, Aker Solutions has delivered innovative responses
to complex engineering and manufacturing challenges both on- and offshore. Enterprise-wide, Aker Solutions
provides engineering and construction services, technology products, and integrated solutions to industries that
include oil and gas, refining and chemicals, mining, metals, and power generation. Its global multiethnic workforce
of 28,000 full-time employees labors in 30 countries on five continents.
Aker Solutions in Mobile emphasizes design and manufacture of subsea umbilicals. These flexible stainless
steel tubes of varying diameter enclose, protect and serve as a subsea conduit for cables. Umbilicals enable
the remote control, power supply and operation of subsea oilfield developments. According to Quest Offshore
Resources, Inc., Aker Solutions holds a 64.7 percent share of the Global Steel Tube Umbilical market.
Aker Solutions’ worldwide client base includes major oil companies Chevron and ExxonMobil, along with independent
and national oil companies.
Name/age: Marc Quenneville (46)
Title: Vice President Umbilicals, North America
Company: Aker Solutions Inc.
Address: 7611 Lake Rd S, Bldg 505, Mobile, AL, 36605
Web: www.akersolutions.com
Revenue: approx. 110M USD
No. of Employees: 135
Most recently read book: Good to Great
Favorite music/musical artist: Jazz
Education: Industrial Chemistry
What is your relationship with the Alabama State Port Authority
The Port serves as Aker’s landlord. Our companies are an example of how a relationship between two parties
can be mutually beneficial for an obvious win-win.
What is the largest/most unusual cargo shipped through the port
We have shipped 11.2m tall reels with umbilicals weighing 400 tons.
What is the most out-of-the-box idea you’ve every done in your professional career
I’ve sold site waste to be used for employee social activities.
What was the result
An opportunity to create a more family-oriented workforce through more employee interaction.
The umbilicals provide power, data, hydraulic functions and chemical injects to underwater drilling sites.
What single thing makes your organization stand out
The loyalty and dedication of the employees to make the Mobile facility a success.
Tell us a little about what’s in store for your organization in 2009-2010
In the current world economic climate, we are excited about having a healthy backlog for 2009. Our company
focus will be to seek work and win it, not wait for work to knock on the door.
How did you wind up in your current position
I’m returning to the Mobile facility after 1½ years in a Global position at Oslo, Norway, headquarters.
What word best describes your leadership style
Informal, approachable, but firm and fair to each and every employee. This builds loyalty and trust which is paramount
to a successful organization.
Goal yet to be achieved My personal goal is to complete my MBA.
Professional pet peeve Too much bureaucracy that can slow down progress and decision making.
What do you do to relieve stress Travel to decompress and recharge the batteries.
Favorite hobbies Cooking for groups of people.
Pets The most spoiled dog in the world.
If you had a $1 million windfall, you would: Pay the bills which would in turn reduce stress.
It is 11 on Saturday morning. Where are you Procrastinating cutting the grass and doing yard work.
What line of work would you pursue if you couldn’t work in your present one
Own and operate a restaurant.
Organization or company other than your own that you most admire SouthWest Airlines.
What is there about you that people would be surprised to learn I am an excellent cook.
They’re making a movie of your life. Is it a drama or comedy and who plays you
If it can happen, it has happened to me. The only way to present it would be as a comedy.
10 Alabama Seaport • june 2009 Alabama Seaport • june 2009
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