Issam Sarkis Appointed Group Chief Finance Officer of CIEL Group
The CIEL Group has announced a transition in its financial leadership. Jérôme De Chasteauneuf, Group Finance Director and a cornerstone of the Group's financial architecture for over three decades, will retire on June 30, 2026. Issam Sarkis will join the CIEL Group as Group Chief Finance Officer starting May 1, 2026, with a handover period planned for May and June to ensure a smooth transition.
An Exceptional Legacy: Jérôme De Chasteauneuf
Jérôme De Chasteauneuf joined CIEL in 1993 and has since become an indispensable figure in the Group's financial history. Over the years, he has guided the Group through some of its most pivotal moments: strategic IPOs, international expansions, complex mergers and acquisitions, and large-scale restructurings. A pioneer of sophisticated financial reengineering strategies, he has played a vital role in CIEL's evolution into the diversified and publicly traded Group it is today.
A graduate of the London School of Economics and a qualified chartered accountant (ACA), Jérôme began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in London before joining CIEL. He was appointed Group Finance Director in 2013 and has served on the boards of several listed companies, including CIEL Ltd, Alteo Limited (where he is currently Chairman), Sun Limited, Miwa Sugar Limited, and Riveo Limited.
"It has been a privilege to contribute to CIEL's growth for over three decades. I have been fortunate to be involved in critical milestones alongside exceptional teams and leaders. I leave with the assurance that CIEL is well-positioned for the future, with strong foundations and ambitions in line with its potential,” says Jérôme De Chasteauneuf, Group Finance Director, CIEL Limited.
The Appointment of Issam Sarkis
The CIEL Group is pleased to welcome Issam Sarkis as Group Chief Finance Officer. With over 20 years of international finance experience, he brings a strong combination of strategic expertise, operational experience, and leadership developed in complex international environments.
Issam joins CIEL after 15 years as CFO and Executive Director of Aspen Global Incorporated in Mauritius, where he played a central role in transforming the company from a mid-sized entity into a global leader in branded and generic medicines. During this time, he led over 40 major transactions with a cumulative value exceeding €6 billion, with experience covering transaction execution, strategic finance, cash management, and governance.
He holds a degree in Economics from Saint Joseph University in Beirut and a management diploma from EM Lyon. Beyond his technical qualifications, Issam is recognized for his leadership style, deep understanding of organizational culture, and ability to unite high-performing teams. These qualities align with CIEL's ethos and its value "Excellence at Core."
Commenting on his appointment, Issam Sarkis states: "It is a privilege to join the CIEL Group, a company deeply rooted in its Mauritian heritage and present in various sectors and geographies. CIEL's vision, positioning, and values naturally guided my choice for this next step in my journey. I look forward to continuing the work initiated by Jérôme and collaborating with the Group's teams to support its long-term development.”
The transition between Jérôme De Chasteauneuf and Issam Sarkis will take place during May and June 2026, ensuring a smooth handover for all stakeholders. The CIEL Group thanks Jérôme for his contributions and welcomes Issam.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and all the teams at CIEL, I wish to express our deep gratitude to Jérôme for his contributions to the Group over more than three decades. His expertise, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Group. We wish him a well-deserved retirement. We are also delighted to welcome Issam, whose experience and background, particularly in developing international business, will be assets in supporting the next phase of growth for the Group,” says Guillaume Dalais, Group Chief Executive, CIEL Limited.
