Stephane, Programme Manager

"Our aim is to be the worldwide leader in combustion, fuel formulation and desulphurisation."

Stephane's connection with Saudi Aramco began in 2004, when he was working for the French Institute of Petroleum (IFP). "Aramco approached us for help," he explains. "They said: 'We're ready to build a world-class R&D function, and we want to know the best way to do it.' " Stephane was instrumental in providing this support. And a year ago, after helping to set up the new Aramco R&D centre, he decided to join the company full time.

So what now for Stephane and Aramco? "There are four key areas we're currently focusing on. Combustion, fuel formulation, desulphurisation and CO₂ capture. CO₂ capture is, of course, a long-term commitment for us. The other three all have short-term objectives. We aim to have specific products developed by 2010. We want to be worldwide leaders in all three areas."

Having clear objectives is crucial, as far as Stephane is concerned. "Here, you are set problems to solve, and you have a great deal of freedom in terms of how you approach them. But at the same time there are very fixed deliverables. You're given one or two years to find a very specific product. This way, we can be sure we enjoy success."