At Advans, we believe that our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to supporting their professional development, helping them build new skills, take on new challenges, and shape rewarding careers across our institutions and countries.

Bertrand Kenmogne’s career path illustrates the development and mobility opportunities available within the Advans network. He joined Advans Cameroun as a Loan Officer in 2008 and steadily progressed into management roles before moving to Advans Côte d’Ivoire as Commercial Director. Today, he returns to Cameroon as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, bringing valuable experience gained across two of the network’s flagship institutions. Today, he returns to Cameroon as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, bringing valuable experience gained across two of the network’s flagship institutions.

As he begins this new chapter, Bertrand looks back on key milestones in his professional journey, the lessons he learned in Côte d’Ivoire, and his vision for the future of Advans Cameroon.

You joined Advans Cameroon, the oldest institution in our network, in 2008 and played a direct role in expanding its branch network. Could you tell us about this first experience with Advans?

I joined Advans Cameroon in February 2008, at a time when the institution was continuing its expansion and opening new branches. From my very first months, I was involved in launching several service points in Yaoundé.

At the time, most of our tools and processes were still manual. Client files were prepared on paper before more digital solutions were gradually introduced. Despite these constraints, there was a remarkable level of commitment across the teams, and staying close to our clients was already at the heart of our work.

This experience left a lasting impression on me. It taught me discipline, the importance of fieldwork, and the power of teamwork. Looking back today, I realize just how far we have come.

Looking back on your career within Advans, what would you say was the defining turning point?

The real turning point came when I was appointed Branch Manager in Bafoussam in 2010. I was entrusted with opening a new branch and leading a team made up largely of new employees who needed coaching and support.

The local context was very different from that of Yaoundé or Douala, which meant we had to adapt our approach to local realities. This experience taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Listening, understanding your environment, and being willing to challenge established ways of working are essential.

It was also a pivotal stage in my development as a manager.

Is there a particular field experience or anecdote that illustrates what Advans means to you?

One experience stands out. Before joining Advans, I worked as a census officer in a low-income neighborhood of Yaoundé. A few years later, as a Loan Officer, I had the opportunity to support some of the same traders I had met during that period.

That was when I fully realized the impact of our work. Seeing clients grow their businesses, improve their living conditions, and expand their enterprises thanks to access to financing is incredibly rewarding. Some started with small loans and eventually became respected entrepreneurs.

This profession is deeply meaningful because it allows us to support the ambitions and projects of people who are often excluded from traditional banking services. That is also why I feel such a strong connection to Advans: the conviction that our work creates genuine social impact.

Today, you are returning to Cameroon to join the Executive Management Team of Advans Cameroon. How did you feel when this opportunity arose?

I felt an immense sense of gratitude and pride. When I started as a Loan Officer in 2008, I could hardly have imagined the journey that lay ahead.

Returning to the institution where it all began has strong symbolic meaning for me. It feels like coming full circle, but it also comes with new responsibilities. I am eager to contribute to Advans Cameroon’s next phase of growth and to support our teams as they continue pursuing their ambitions.

In your opinion, what will be the main challenges in the coming months?

My first challenge will be to successfully reintegrate into the Advans Cameroon team. It is no longer the same organization I left several years ago: it has grown, evolved, and transformed. I am approaching this return with humility, taking the time to listen, understand today’s realities, and work closely with colleagues across the institution.

Advans Cameroon has long been regarded as a benchmark within the network. Our goal is clear: to work together to make it a high-performing, widely recognized subsidiary.

Looking further ahead, what is your vision for Advans Cameroon?

My vision is to continue developing Advans Cameroon while balancing three essential dimensions: social impact, business performance, and financial sustainability.

I am convinced that our success depends first and foremost on the women and men who bring the institution to life every day. That is why it is essential to keep people at the heart of what we do, while continuously improving our effectiveness and our ability to meet clients’ needs.

We must successfully combine our social mission with strong business and financial performance. This balance is what will enable Advans Cameroon to sustain its growth and deepen its impact over the long term.

What advice would you give to employees who aspire to build a career within the Advans network?

First and foremost, I would encourage them to stay true to their values. Integrity, commitment, and professionalism are fundamental qualities in our line of work.

I would also encourage them to invest in their own development, keep learning, and seize opportunities whenever they arise. My own experience shows that it is possible to grow within the network when you remain committed to your mission over time.

Finally, patience and perseverance are key. Opportunities often come to those who are ready to make the most of them.

As a  Cameroonian, this role represents a return to your roots. What message would you like to share with the teams welcoming you into your new position?

I would like them to know that I am a field-oriented leader and that I want to remain close to the teams. My ambition is to work alongside them to support a new phase of growth for Advans Cameroon and strengthen its development momentum.

I also hope to bring the experience I gained in Côte d’Ivoire, along with best practices developed across the Advans network, to help further expand the subsidiary’s impact in its market.

A Journey That Reflects the Opportunities Within the Advans Network

From Loan Officer to Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Bertrand Kenmogne’s career is a testament to the importance of field experience, dedication, and the trust placed in talent throughout the Advans network.

At Advans, many employees begin their careers in customer-facing roles such as Loan Officer, Credit Analyst or Branch Manager, before progressing into expert, management or executive leadership positions. Internal mobility and opportunities across the Group’s different subsidiaries provide employees with valuable exposure, enabling them to broaden their expertise and accelerate their professional development.

Through this new chapter in his career, Bertrand embodies Advans’ commitment to nurturing talent and creating long-term career opportunities while contributing to financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.

To learn more about an important milestone in Bertrand’s journey, watch the video “Promotion and Mobility: A Conversation with Bertrand Kenmogne.”