In the summer of 2002, John Valance joined KAEFER in France as an administrative and accounting manager – open to new experiences, eager to learn, and ready to see where his career might lead. He didn’t have a rigid plan, but he had a sense of possibility and a desire to grow – both professionally and personally.
“That day felt like the start of an adventure,” he says. “I didn’t know how long it would last, but it felt right.”
Fast forward 23 years, and John is now a year into his role as President of KAEFER France, a company that has shaped not only his professional life, but also his personal development. But this isn’t just John’s story. It’s the story of how KAEFER France has evolved – through strategic changes, operational milestones, and the kind of teamwork that makes progress possible.
“What has kept me here for so many years? The people. Colleagues who have helped me to grow as an employee and as an individual. And the values. There’s a real team spirit here.”
Building something bigger in Le Havre
One project in particular captures the essence of how John works – and how KAEFER works: TOTAL Le Havre’s steam cracker in 2011. Originally contracted for €4 million turnover, it became a €13 million success story – not by chance, but through teamwork.
“We didn’t just fulfil a contract. We built momentum. The team delivered beyond expectations – and that stayed with me,” says John.
It wasn’t a fluke. It was a testament of what happens when a team shares a mission, communicates openly, and performs under pressure. KAEFER France’s services aren’t just technical jobs; they’re coordinated efforts where scaffolding, insulation, surface protection, rope access, and asbestos removal teams work as one. It’s where KAEFER’s integrated expertise comes to life.
Leading through change – with purpose
When John stepped into the president role in 2023, he didn’t take it for granted. He saw an opportunity to re-energise the business – starting with the people.
Over the course of his first year, he oversaw a major change in the senior leadership structure. Some long-time colleagues moved on. Others were promoted. And new talent brought fresh perspectives.
“It wasn’t just about reshuffling roles. It was about building a leadership team that reflected where we wanted to go – and creating the conditions for them to thrive.”
This focus on fit over formality is part of John’s leadership philosophy. He doesn’t believe in micromanagement or chasing perfection. What he does believe in is creating an environment where people can play to their strengths – and grow from there.
One name, one mission
2024 marked another symbolic transformation: the company name was officially changed from KAEFER WANNER to simply KAEFER. For many, the name WANNER carried a lot of history – a legacy of the 2001 merger. But the move was all about unity.
“We had to give the name change meaning,” John explains. “Now, whether you’re in Le Havre, Lyon or La Réunion – we’re KAEFER. One team, one identity.”
And that wasn’t the only change of address. The relocation of KAEFER France’s head office to La Défence in Paris took place a few weeks ago – it was not just a change of place, but a strategic move towards greater collaboration and connection between the business units.
The business landscape: challenges, yes – but also opportunities
The French industrial market isn’t easy. It’s mature. Competitive. Often slow to change. But there’s real potential beneath the surface. Nuclear life extension projects are moving forward, and the future EPR2 units promise massive investment and long-term visibility.
And KAEFER France is ready.
The company is already making waves in the nuclear sector with high-profile projects such as the Cruas steam generator replacement and RMI (Reflective Metal Insulation) installations – areas where KAEFER’s technical mastery and multidisciplinary coordination shine.
Add to this KAEFER’s presence in conventional industries, buildings & construction as well as shipbuilding – and the future holds promising opportunities.
“Until the EPR2 rollout, things will remain relatively flat. That just means we have to stay sharp – close to our customers and constantly improving,” says John.
Part of that improvement comes from embracing smarter ways of working – from digital planning tools to more advanced data-driven project tracking. The aim? To be faster, more transparent, and better connected – both internally and with clients.
“Digitisation and AI aren’t just trends,” says John. “They’re tools that help us work smarter, anticipate problems, and stay closer to our clients and teams.”
A people-first mindset – in action, not just words
Ask John what defines KAEFER, and you won’t get a corporate slogan. You’ll get stories. About technicians working on ropes 30 metres in the air. About project managers coordinating complex shutdowns. Of engineers rethinking how insulation can deliver energy efficiency.
“Our value is created on site. That’s where the real KAEFER lives – in the field, on the scaffolding, behind the scenes. My best moments are still the ones I spend with my colleagues, especially those on-site, but also in the office”, says John.
And with a team of more than 1,800 people across France, this human connection isn’t just a principle – it’s a daily reality. Each person brings a unique skill set, background, and perspective, contributing to a company culture built on shared mission and mutual respect.
Looking ahead: new talent, new energy
At the heart of KAEFER France’s transformation are its people. The next chapter will be shaped not only by strategy, but also by the energy, ambition and ideas of the people who make it all happen.
The focus now? Recruitment and integration. Welcoming new talents, combining it with the experience of long-standing colleagues, and creating an environment where everyone – from intern to executive – feels part of the story.
“When people feel that their work matters, that they matter, you build more than a business. You build a place where people want to be,” says John.
More than a job
Off the clock, John is just as energetic – whether he’s on the slopes, hosting dinners with friends, or cheering on any sport you can name. His love of teamwork, competition, and resilience isn’t reserved for the boardroom.
“I believe in ambition – but the kind that brings people together. That’s what KAEFER is all about.”
This spirit not only shapes his leadership. It’s helping KAEFER France to undergo a real transformation. Because the changes of the past year – new leadership, a unified identity, a relocated head office, and a forward-looking mindset – aren’t just administrative. They’re part of something deeper: a transformation in how 1,800 people work, connect, and grow together.
“What excites me most,” says John, “isn’t just what we can plan for – it’s the unknown. It’s where we can be creative, bold, and human.”
At KAEFER France, the next chapter isn’t just about where we’re going. It’s about how we’re going – and who we’re bringing with us. Because behind the name, there’s a story of people, pride, and progress – rooted in more than 100 years of experience, and still evolving every day.
Note: Crafted by people – with a little help from gen AI. This article combines human insight, storytelling, and smart digital tools to bring KAEFER stories to life.
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