Mary Malone, "It is a unique opportunity to work for a major electrification group like Nexans and have a Company foundation whose missions align so closely with our values"

Following the Fondation Nexans' participation in Université de la Terre 2025, Mary Malone answered questions from the organization for their monthly newsletter. Five questions to understand everything about the Fondation.

Since 2013, the Nexans Foundation has been working towards universal and sustainable access to energy. What drives you to occupy this unique position, at the crossroads of industrial commitment, solidarity, and the energy transition?

In 2012, Nexans responded to the United Nations’ call to raise awareness and mobilize the world against energy poverty. As a global leader in the cable industry, with electrification at the core of our business, it seemed essential for us to take action. That’s why we created the Nexans Foundation in 2013, becoming the first player in the cable industry to do so. This foundation embodies our commitment to promoting access to energy for disadvantaged populations, while supporting sustainable and responsible solutions.

Currently, more than 650 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Nexans has an industrial presence in these regions, where we have colleagues, customers, and partners. It therefore feels natural to stand alongside NGOs in this mission to bring energy and light where they are missing. One of our three core values is “UNITED,” and the Nexans Foundation is a concrete expression of that solidarity.

With more than ten years of existence, what do you consider the highlights of this journey, and what are the next steps?

We are proud to have supported many Non Governemental Organizations (NGO) and nearly 180 projects, mainly in South America, Africa, and the Middle East. I joined the Foundation this year, alongside our Secretary General, Séverine Grosjean. We bring a fresh perspective and great enthusiasm to continue the legacy created 12 years ago.

What I discovered, and what makes this work so fascinating and unique, is that each project has its own story, its own timeline, its own actors. The challenges in Peru are not those in Côte d’Ivoire, the needs are not the same, and the beneficiaries live completely different realities.

In addition to providing access to a sustainable energy, the Fondation Nexans also contributes to improving education and promoting women’s empowerment in regions where inequalities remain very high. Every action counts, as it aims to improve the living conditions and provide opportunities.

When mentioning these countries, I wish to highlight the commitment of our colleagues—sponsors, ambassadors, and volunteers—who dedicate their time to NGOs and projects supported by the Fondation. Without them, the Fondation would not exist.

Behind every project supported by the Fondation are strategic choices and field partners. How do you select the initiatives to support, and how do you concretely measure their impact?

Our annual call for projects, aimed at associations and NGOs, is designed to select the most relevant initiatives in favor of energy access. Following this period of two months, I make an initial screening based on predefined criteria communicated to the associations and NGOs. Then, the Fondation’s selection and evaluation committee carries out a pre-selection for presentation to the Board of Directors, which decides which organizations will receive financial support.

Some partners benefit from long-term commitments. In South America, for example, we regularly work with Techo, an association specialized in housing and energy issues, present throughout the continent. In Brazil, we regularly collaborate with Litro de Luz. In Africa, IECD and Geres are strong partners with whom we have already carried out many projects. But there is always room for new actors.

Finally, regarding impact, each project must produce regular reports—both human and financial—to ensure proper management of allocated funds. We also hold follow-up meetings with associations to ensure that the actions undertaken are sustainable over time.

Nexans is committed to the circular economy with projects like CableLoop. How do these industrial transformations resonate with the Foundation’s commitments and actions?

Nexans has a new performance model called E3 (Economy, Environment, Engagement). Projects like CableLoop naturally find their place within it. The Foundation, through its project and partner choices, develops a similar model.

Sustainability is a central value in our project selection—whether it concerns the type of energy provided or the long-term viability of an initiative. Our projects are carried out on a small scale. They then generate local economic benefits, including in the field of circular economy. In fact, in 2026, together with Geres, we are launching a study on recycling waste from the solar sector. We are closing the loop.

If you could dream out loud… In 10 or 20 years, what legacy would you like the Fondation Nexans to leave, both in the lives of the communities it supports and in the way a large industrial group conceives solidarity?

I dream of seeing a lasting impact in all the communities we have supported. Our mission goes far beyond a simple helping hand: it is about turning ideas into concrete realities and, above all, embedding them over time. If we have managed to bring families out of darkness, improve their daily lives, offer them job opportunities, strengthen their security, and open up new prospects for their children, then I will proudly say that we have changed lives. That is what motivates me; that is what gives true meaning to our commitment.

Within the Nexans Group, there is growing recognition of the remarkable work done by these NGOs. More and more employees are volunteering their time, energy, and skills to support their fellow citizens.

It is a unique opportunity to work for a major electrification group like Nexans and have a Company foundation whose missions align so closely with our values.