Press release

LAR Strengthens Governance with New CEO Appointment and Board Leadership

Published on 19 Aug 2025

Lobito, 19 August 2025 – Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) today announced the introduction of a strengthened governance structure with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and a new Chairman of the Board of Directors.

These appointments mark the formal separation of the CEO and Chairman roles. Together with a new Executive Committee and enhanced Board leadership, these changes underscore LAR’s commitment to strong corporate governance as the company enters a critical phase of operational expansion.

Nicholas Fournier has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. A French national, Nicholas brings over 20 years of global experience in strategic management, operations, and business development. He holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Université Technologique de Compiègne, France, and has held senior roles at ADIT – GEOS Group, G4S – Allied Universal, KS Drilling, and Transocean.

The role of Chairman of the Board of Directors is now held by Alexandre Canas, who has served on the board since its inception. Alexandre has over 25 years of experience in strategic leadership, financial management, and business development across international markets, including Brazil, the Netherlands, Mozambique, the UK, and Angola, where he currently serves as Trafigura’s Country Manager.

Commenting on his appointment, Nicholas Fournier said:
“I am honoured to take on this role at Lobito Atlantic Railway, a company with exceptional potential to transform transport and trade across Angola and the region. We are proud to operate a transport corridor that is open to all customers and already delivering significant benefits to mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo that produce critical metals. Together with my management team, we will focus on further optimising the railway’s efficiency and capacity, while expanding the Minerals Terminal operations at the Port of Lobito.”

Alexandre Canas added:
“I am honoured to step into the role of Chairman at such a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. I look forward to supporting the executive team, ensuring the company is well-equipped to meet its ambitious objectives and building partnerships that support long-term growth and sustainable development in the region.”

LAR’s enhanced governance structure will help ensure clear delineation of leadership responsibilities and more effective strategic positioning, while supporting LAR’s mission to build essential transport infrastructure for Angola’s economic development and regional integration.

LAR’s Board of Directors is now comprised of:

  • Alexandre Canas, Chairman
  • Manuel Mota, Vice-Chairman
  • Julien Rolland
  • Roberto Ferreira
  • Dmitry Miller
  • António Graça
  • Eric Peiffer
  • Tiago Ferraria
  • Ottoniel Manuel

In addition to the CEO, LAR’s new Executive Committee includes the following members, appointed by the shareholders:

  • Nicolas Gregoir, Chief Operations Officer
  • Domingos Castelão Silva, Chief Financial Officer
  • Nuno Chaves Frota, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer

ENDS

For further information please contact: 
media@lobitoatlantic.co.ao or Dina Cortinhas +244 912 888 159 -  dcortinhas@jlma.co.ao

Notes to editors

  • The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) is an Angolan rail operator with an independent, highly experienced management team specialising in railway infrastructure. Under a 30-year concession, LAR is responsible for modernising, maintaining, and operating the 1,300 km railway line that connects the Port of Lobito to Luau on Angola’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the dedicated Minerals Terminal at the port.
  • LAR also has a track access agreement with the state-owned Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC), the DRC’s state-owned rail company, to operate and upgrade the 450 km section between Luau and Kolwezi. This collaboration includes supporting infrastructure rehabilitation.
  • LAR provides the safest, most efficient, and most environmentally sustainable route between an African port and Kolwezi — a major mining hub in the DRC — as well as many cities along the railway. The transit time from Lobito to Kolwezi is just seven days.
  • LAR is available to all commercial users, whether for imports via the Port of Lobito or exports from the DRC. It can transport cargo for any customer, enabling multiple mining companies, freight operators, and private businesses to use the line to transport materials and gain access to global markets via a deep-water port.
  • LAR also operates the Porto do Lobito Mineral Terminal, which connects to the railway line, providing faster and more efficient service in one of the most uncongested ports on the Atlantic coast.

Visit: www.lobitoatlantic.com