Founded by a Kedger, Nomads Surfing makes surfboards from recycled waste!

1️⃣To begin, tell us about your educational background. What did you study, both before and at KEDGE?

I attended Sup'TG for three years, and so was able to go directly to a Business School without having to do a prep course. There, I was able to learn subjects that were new to me (marketing, finance, accounting, communication, etc.). I then enrolled in KEDGE’s MAI programme (master in purchasing) so I could complete my education and specialise in purchasing.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MAI OF KEDGE

2️⃣ tell us what you did after your studies were finished. What positions have you held? What did you learn in those positions?

I went to work for Airbus in Toulouse as a plastic parts buyer, first on a six-month internship, then as an employee for two years. As I was responsible for a major market, I was able to get my foot in the door in a major company. I then transferred to Airbus in Malaysia and worked there for two years as a sourcing manager for the EADS group. It was a position with multiple hats as I was in charge of all the company’s divisions and the entire ASEAN zone. This job led to my getting a job as a sales manager for one of Airbus’ subcontractors (PSD AERO) where I opened a regional office in Kuala Lumpur and developed its business throughout Asia. 

A desire to come back to France led me to leave that job and go back to France to work for an American company, Busby Metals (another Airbus sub-contractor), as EMEA Asia-Pacific Manager. As I was in charge of developing the business in the rest of the world (excluding America and Western Europe), I had to travel a lot. During the 2.5 years I was there, I increased its turnover.

3️⃣ What are you doing/what is your situation today? What gave you the idea and why do you want to do what you’re doing today?

NOMADS SURFING

4️⃣ What are your development plans for the future?

To solidify the brand as an unbeatable player in the French surfing industry and to raise awareness of the problems of today among as many people as possible. 

The circular economy and the protection of the oceans are two major issues that we anticipate over the next decade. We will have to maximise the life cycle of materials and products in order to protect our environment and preserve our natural resources as much as possible. That's what we're trying to do with Nomads. 

We are working on developing new innovative products through the materials used and following the principles of the circular economy. We may also hold a fundraising in the coming years. 

Over time, we’d like to expand in Europe and those countries with a strong surf industry such as the USA and Australia. 

5️⃣ If you were to give advice to any KEDGE graduate who wants to do something similar, what would it be? 

Working for a “major group" was an undeniable asset to my curriculum, and I would not have been hired by one if I had not gone through the MAI programme. As for the rest, doing what you want to do is the best advice I can give. 

KEDGE represents everything I am today. My network, my education, and my friends have helped me succeed in what I’m doing today, and in what I am trying to do with Nomads Surfing. I use what I learned in the communication, finance, and marketing courses every time a have to make a decision. It’s when you are creating a company that the lessons learned in the courses take on full meaning. Even though I didn’t specialise in finance or marketing, thanks to my four years at KEDGE, every issue I might have to discuss today is not a complete unknown to me.

FACEBOOK   WEBSITE   INSTAGRAM