Life@Convelio: Welcoming Bassel Berjaoui as Convelio's VP Finance & Insights

Life@Convelio: Welcoming Bassel Berjaoui as Convelio's VP Finance & Insights

In this interview, Convelio's new VP of Finance and Insights, @Bassel, shares his insights and strategy for the art shipping market. He discusses his personal goals, priorities, and passion for generating economic value, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities facing the industry. He also offers advice to aspiring finance and accounting professionals looking to break into the world of art business and logistics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the industry, being adaptable, and building relationships within the field.

What inspired you to join the world of art shipping, and how do you see your experience contributing to Convelio's success in the long term?

As an early disruptor in the traditional and incumbent art shipping market, Convelio is well-positioned to improve the client experience and lead the industry forward. I am excited to contribute to this vision by bringing leapfrog solutions and generating value for the overall ecosystem. My personal goal is to ensure value is distributed equitably across the art shipping value chain while driving Convelio's market share and asset development.

What areas of finance are you most passionate about, and how do you see these interests translating to the art business and logistics industry?

My passion lies in the generation of economic value, which connects financial performance to business and operating models. By applying this approach to the art shipping industry, we can establish our economic model as the benchmark for the market.

What are some of your top priorities in your new role, and how do you plan to achieve them?

As the new VP of Finance and Insights at Convelio, my primary objectives are to align the company's performance management with our upgraded business and operating model, streamline governance, and foster a culture that values and supports our employees. To achieve these goals, I will collaborate with the leadership team to revise and update our performance metrics, governance structure, and people management processes. By investing in our employees and developing best-in-class organizations, we will ensure that Convelio remains a top employer and that we continue to generate value across the art shipping industry.

In your opinion, what are some of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the art shipping industry?

The art shipping industry faces several unique challenges, including the need to ensure the safety and security of high-value assets, navigate complex customs and regulations, and manage client expectations around delivery times and cost. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and differentiation, such as leveraging technology to improve transparency and tracking or developing specialized expertise in specific niches of the art world.

What advice would you give to aspiring finance or accounting professionals looking to break into the world of art business and logistics?

My advice would be to develop a strong understanding of the art market, its unique dynamics and trends, and how they intersect with finance and logistics. It's also essential to be adaptable and agile, as the industry is constantly evolving and requires a creative mindset to navigate its challenges and opportunities. Finally, it's crucial to build strong relationships and networks within the industry to learn from and collaborate with peers and experts.

March 20, 2023