René Mpondo

René Mpondo

+•• ••••• •••••••••••@•••••.com

CEO, Cameroon & Guinea (Consultant) · Afrilux Smart Solutions SA · 16.4 yrs

With over 17 years in leadership, I am a determined and organized professional, deeply committed to accountability in driving strategic business growth. My ambition is channeled through a logical approach to process improvement and business analysis, ensuring customer satisfaction and sustained success.

  • Douala
  • Open to Dubai · Singapore · Kinshasa
  • Hybrid

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Skills

Claimed

Brand ValuationCustomer AdvocacyEmployee Training & DevelopmentMentoring and Peer CoachingSolution ImplementationConstruction ManagementSolution ConsultingLessons Learned ApplicationTeamworkRisk-TakingHands-on Work ApproachProblem Solving

Proof of Experience

CEO, Cameroon & Guinea (Consultant)

Afrilux Smart Solutions SA · Jan 2026 – Present

  • Results: USD10.6M consolidated revenue (+37%), 23% EBITDA, cash-positive in 18 months, DSO reduced from 132 to 63 days.
  • - Led the merger of Afrilux and Smart Security Solutions into Afrilux Smart Solutions SA: governance, reporting lines, KPIs and communication to 234 employees.
  • Share capital multiplied by nine.
  • - Built a 6-member executive committee (2 deputy GMs, 4 directors) and rolled out a KPI/OKR framework across 11 branches.
  • Presented quarterly business reviews to the Board and shareholders; CAPEX approved at investment committee.
  • - Portfolio decisions: opened Guinea (Q1 2026), exited a loss-making Senegal subsidiary in a controlled way, deferred Côte d’Ivoire and Benin to Q2 2027.
  • - Negotiated distribution agreements and public, parapublic and private partnerships, including a banking-solutions distribution agreement (cash-management machines) in the CEMAC zone.
  • - Commercial scope: energy solutions, low-current systems (access control), IT licences and cybersecurity, and equipment distribution to banks and institutions.
  • Represented the group at Solar & Storage Live Cape Town and Johannesburg.
  • Fluent in French and English, I work at the intersection of strategy, execution and leadership in high-growth emerging markets.

Managing Director (Consultant)

Afrilux · Oct 2024 – Sep 2026

  • As the Managing Director and Transformational Leader, I lead strategic initiatives that drive growth and innovation in West and Central Africa.
  • My current focus involves managing and reorganizing two key enterprises, merging them to enhance operational efficiency and foster a unified vision.
  • - Strategic Leadership: I lead the integration of both entities to create a robust and competitive market presence.
  • - Industrial Development: I am launching a pivotal industrial project aimed at generating over 150 direct jobs and 400 indirect jobs, in addition to the existing 200 positions.
  • This initiative seeks to boost local production, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to sustainable development.
  • - Operational Excellence: I drive digital transformation, implement renewable energy solutions, and enhance overall business performance.
  • - Innovation & Growth: I foster a culture of innovation to ensure both entities remain at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements.
  • - @Afrilux SA, website: www.afriluxsa.com
  • - @Smart Security Solutions SA, website: www.smartsecurity.com

Directeur général (Consultant)

SMART SECURITY SOLUTIONS · Nov 2024 – Jan 2026

  • En tant que Directeur Général et Leader de la croissance,
  • je mène la fusion stratégique de deux sociétés anonymes, @Afrilux SA et @Smart Security Solutions SA, pour créer un acteur unifié, innovant et compétitif en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale.
  • Mes missions:
  • - Leadership stratégique :
  • Intégrer les deux entités pour renforcer notre position et aligner notre vision.
  • - Développement industriel :
  • Lancer un projet clé générant environ 200 emplois directs et 400 indirects, stimulant la production locale et la croissance durable.
  • - Excellence opérationnelle :
  • Accélérer la transformation digitale et déployer des solutions d’énergies renouvelables.
  • - Innovation & expansion :
  • Favoriser l’innovation en vue d’une expansion rapide en Afrique Centrale et de l’Ouest.

Senior Regional Sales Manager Africa (French Speaking Countries) & Emerging Markets

Astronergy Solar · Sep 2023 – Sep 2024

  • Pioneered solar market penetration in 19 Francophone, Hispanophone, and Lusophone countries (EMEA).
  • Adapting to local regulations and financing (IPP’s & EPC’s).
  • - I Droved explosive business development with high-value contracts, strategic partnerships, with a result oriented team culture.
  • - Led multicultural teams (11 nationalities) boosting retention 25% and project speed 30% via inclusive practices.
  • - Crafted winning strategies: competitive pricing, competitor analysis, market pivots (tariffs, off-grid).
  • #SolarEnergy #BusinessDevelopment #MulticulturalLeadership #Leadership #ChangeManagement #P&L

Sales Manager - Central Africa Sub-region

Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. · Oct 2022 – Sep 2023

  • Responsible for commercial development of Jinko Solar (TOP 1, Tier 1) across 11 French‑speaking countries in Central and West Africa, EMEA Division.
  • Deployed the regional commercial strategy, negotiated key contracts and structured partnerships with distributors, EPCs and major accounts.
  • Steered the project pipeline and coordinated technical and sales teams to ensure on‑time, on‑budget, on‑quality delivery.
  • Results: 23 MW of PV modules delivered, 18 MWh of BESS solutions installed and 2,300 solar streetlights deployed across the region.
  • #RenewableEnergy #SalesDirector #BusinessDevelopment #AfricaSolarProjects #StrategicPartnerships
  • Reference: Kamel ATTIA | Alaeddine Troudi | Rudy Francois EKOGA

Consultant / Board Advisor

#SalesPassionate · May 2022 – Sep 2022

  • Définir et implémenter Vision - Mission - Valeurs 2022 - 2027.
  • - Mettre en place une équipe et les process
  • - Assurer un équilibre du P&L, augmenter la profitabilité
  • - Améliorer l’offre de formations commerciales & Agrandir le portefeuille clients.
  • Nous sommes disponibles pour Booster les ventes de vos produits et services avec nos méthodes OPA & ICT, qui font leurs preuves en Afrique Centrale & Ouest.
  • Chez nous, la consultation commerciale est GRATUITE.
  • Contactez nous: +237674802289 / +33623619766 (WhatsApp)

Associate Founder

#SalesPassionate · Dec 2019 – Apr 2022

  • Conférence & séminaire sur le développement des activités commerciales.
  • Coaching & accompagnement des StartUp, PME & ME à la mise en place d’un département commercial.
  • Je suis à la tête d’une équipe, qui apporte une nouvelle dynamique de formation & accompagnement, des vendeurs & commerciaux (du Directoire aux opérationnels) à 360 degrés en fonction du besoin.
  • Nous agissons en Afrique centrale & Ouest, en français & Anglais.
  • Bienvenue dans nos programmes désormais disponibles.
  • Contacts: +33623619766 WhatsApp | +237674802289 Mobile

Area Sales Manager

Hilti Group · Jan 2019 – Apr 2022

  • Led sales development and key account strategy for Hilti (NEWAACA Division) in Central Africa, Hybrid position between Dubai and Douala, with direct management of 15 staff (sales, application engineers, support).
  • Designed and executed a growth strategy focused on large accounts and mid‑caps in construction and engineering (Cameroon and Central Africa).
  • Recruited, trained and coached a hybrid sales & sevices engineers team (field, inside sales, technical support).
  • Optimized market coverage, product mix and profitability per client.
  • Results: 12x revenue growth between 2018 and 2019, +81% net sales in 2020 and profitability uplift from 28% to 42.3%.

Country Sales Engineer

CFAO · Jul 2017 – Dec 2018

  • - From 16 (2017) to 22 (2018) Dealer's Sales Point's in Central Africa.
  • - Dealers Network Development of Makita in Cameroon (Now 08 Dealers and 22 sales points in 04 region's).
  • - Sales development & Marketing strategy Management.
  • - Trainings & Demonstrations to All Dealers sales team's and final users.
  • - "Makita" Business development in Cameroon and keep a view on Central Africa Market.
  • - Follow up the competitors activities and Market actuality "Bench Mark"
  • - B to B sales Management & B to C follow up...

Senior Technical Sales Engineer

CFAO · Jan 2017 – Jun 2017

  • - From 4 to 8 Dealers & 12 (2016) to 16 (2017) Effective Sales Point's in Cameroon.
  • - Manage Makita Brand business development in Cameroon market and keep a view in Central Africa Market.
  • - Manage a network of 08 Dealers in Cameroon (Training providing on product knowledge & Sales development)
  • - Business development management (Supply Chain, New field trip to develop the market, etc...)

Products and Projects Manager& HSE

Transmission Manutention Cameroun SA · Sep 2015 – Dec 2016

  • - Brands sales development in Cameroon Market.
  • - Manage and Train Technical Sales Representative team on Products knowledge and understanding of brand value propositions.
  • - Manage Sales promotions actions in Cameroon

Keys account Technical Sales representative

Transmissions Manutentions Cameroun s.a. · Oct 2011 – Aug 2015

  • Portfolio Development in 04 Regions in Cameroon.
  • Spare parts sales development in industries and demonstrations sessions management.

Sedentary Sales and Support Engineer

TMC S.A Cameroon · Oct 2009 – Sep 2011

  • Sedentary Sales Operations Support.
  • Manage Cotations and customers follow up.
  • 05 Sales Engineers Sales operations activities follow up, in Cameroon.
  • Customers Advising on products and applications.
  • Phone sales activities follow up and 5 Field Sales Engineer replacement during their annual vacations.

Proof-of-Work

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Proof of Education

Executive Master In Management, Administration, Gestion des affaires & Entrepreneuriat.

EDHEC Business School · 2025 — 2026

Certified in Situational Leadership, Change & Team Management

Harvard Business School Online · 2019 — 2019

Bachelor of Technology - BTech , QHSA (Quality Hygiene and Foods Safety)

IUT of Douala · 2013 — 2014

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

IUT of Douala · 2011 — 2013

MBA-CSP , MBA-CSP

international MBA institute · 2016 — 2017

Diploma in Sales Management, Sales Management

Alison · 2020 — 2020

Diploma, Diploma in Operations Management

Alison · 2014 — 2014

Certificate, Sales Strategies

Alison · 2023

Baccalaureate in Mechanical & Conception Engineering

Lycee Polyvalent de Bonaberi · 2008 — 2009

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