Quebec-based Korem just hired a president in California, Christophe Charpentier, a former Amazon and Wayfair employee with an impressive track record.
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Earlier this year, founder, CEO and chairman of the board Sébastien Vachon sparked a whole debate by emphasizing the need to rebalance the employer-employee relationship and stating that market conditions would eventually tighten.
Photo courtesy of Sébastien Vachon
In return for excellent working conditions – soon a four-day week without wage cuts – he had pleaded for more commitment from employees.
In an interview following a team meeting, where he dressed up as a dragon to remind us that fairy tales are fiction and not reality, he specifically wished for a better reconciliation of teleworking.
“Those who have been with us for a long time, I asked them to remember why they stayed. Because there were colleagues, because it was fun and because there were mentors. How do we do that now, everyone at home, the camera closed?” he asked himself, expressing his desire for an increased presence in the office.
However, Sébastien Vachon had not spoken out against teleworking, recognizing that it has its advantages, including the ability to recruit talent outside of Quebec.
The appointment of the new Californian President is an example of this. And this has to ensure a certain presence at Korem in Quebec.
“He needs to be there when needed, but at least seven days a month in Quebec, and he will be very active with our customers and partners in the United States, as well as with our sales force,” said Sébastien Vachon.
Christophe Charpentier’s main task will be to accelerate Korem’s growth, particularly in North America, where the company, specialized in geolocation solutions, generates 55% of its turnover.
“Korem is now used to working together in hybrid mode and the team is not forced to learn a new way of working because of me,” explained Christophe Charpentier, who experienced hybrid mode during his time at Wayfair Management, on his trip to Boston for a week in Month.
“Sébastien wanted to keep growing, we met again at the right time. Korem has made great strides in 30 years and I want to bring new energy to help the company grow even more,” added Mr. Charpentier.