Algeria: Sahnoun steps into the breach

A younger generation executive, reputed for his competence and substantial on-the-ground experience – not to mention a gregarious manner for an Algerian official – new Sonatrach interim president director-general Saïd Sahnoun is well qualified to see the Algerian state company through a period when massive investments are finally expected to be put in place. Sahnoun has been a Sonatrach executive to watch for some time. He was responsible for the vital Hassi R’mel region and then did a short stint running Sonatrach’s international operations before taking over as director of associations (which manages partnerships with international oil companies).