Leading with Vision: The Remarkable Journey of Cesare Canevese, CEO of Dietsmann

By Simnikiwe Hlatshaneni

In the heart of the vibrant African Energy Week, amidst the excitement and anticipation, Cesare Canevese, the CEO of Dietsmann, one of the largest service providers in the mining and energy sector in Africa, stood as a beacon of leadership. Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of experiences, family values, and faith, he reflects on the pillars of strong leadership in a multinational organization that profoundly impacts communities across the African continent.

African Energy Week, hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Center, brought together hundreds of delegates, all eager to explore partnership opportunities that could expand Dietsmann's operations into new African markets. With unwavering optimism about the future of energy in Africa, Canevese takes a moment to share the leadership lessons he has cultivated over the course of his three-decade career.

Canevese's journey at Dietsmann began a dozen years ago when he took a surprising turn, transitioning from an engineering background to become a recruiter. Working within Dietsmann's human resources department, Canevese found this experience to be instrumental in shaping his leadership style.

"I commit myself to be the face of the solution, ensuring that my responses are prompt and immediate," Canevese emphasizes. "This approach is not only crucial for me but also for my team. I leave the irrational and uncontrollable aspects to the side."

Dietsmann, a 46-year-old company, holds a distinguished position as the leading independent operation and maintenance (O&M) specialist for continuous-production plants in the oil and gas, conventional energy, and nuclear power generation sectors. The company is entrusted with maintaining hundreds of industrial facilities worldwide.

Throughout his tenure at Dietsmann, Canevese has held diverse roles, from branch and regional area management to overseeing complex projects and tendering. The company has consistently prioritized its human capital as the most valuable investment. As a team leader, Canevese has tirelessly worked to create an environment that fosters inclusivity, embraces new ideas, and is sensitive to the unique needs of individuals. Despite his inherently independent spirit, family values remain the cornerstone of his sense of identity.

Canevese's journey into leadership wasn't just confined to the corporate world. "I left my home at the age of 18 to join the navy, seeking education and a career path," he recounts. "Fourteen years ago, I transitioned to the private sector after serving as an officer aboard Italian Navy fleet ships. I had the opportunity to travel extensively, although not quite the seven seas, and after several years, I felt the urge to challenge myself with something new. This quest for novelty is yet another aspect of my personality – always seeking new horizons."

Born and raised in San Remo, Italy, Canevese's upbringing was marked by simplicity and togetherness. "We had just a few things to live by," he reflects. "We cherished spending time together. This is a principle I've carried into my current family – my wife and kids. It embodies our lifestyle – finding contentment in what we have, without extravagant desires or unattainable dreams, while always striving to evolve and appreciating the gifts that life bestows upon us."

As a former Italian Navy officer, Canevese is well-acquainted with the rigors of discipline and routine. However, his mind is a wellspring of creativity. In his leisure hours, he engages in meticulous and technically demanding painting. Additionally, he crafts intricate wooden models, often recreating the navy ships he once served aboard. Despite nearly a decade passing since his last countryside ride on a dirt bike, Canevese remains unwavering in his commitment to self-reinvention and personal growth.

Faith serves as a guiding compass in Canevese's life, allowing him to navigate through challenges that may seem insurmountable. While he identifies as Catholic, he maintains an open-minded perspective toward other belief systems.

"I strongly believe in a higher power," Canevese asserts. "I believe there is a supernatural element in our lives. While we may exert some control over certain aspects of our existence, there are forces beyond human intervention. My belief in God is the prism through which I understand and make sense of these aspects."

At the realm of multinational leadership, where the impact radiates far and wide, Cesare Canevese's unique blend of experience, values, and faith stands as a guiding light for those who aspire to lead with resonance and purpose. His journey encapsulates the essence of leadership – being the face of the solution, embracing family values, and having faith in the face of the unknown.