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10 years and 9 months at the heart of AlterfinWhen numbers tell a story… but people make all the difference.

news

10 years and 9 months at the heart of AlterfinWhen numbers tell a story… but people make all the difference.

After 4,000 days at the helm of Alterfin, Jean-Marc Debricon reflects on a journey rich in challenges, emotions, and lessons learned - before passing the torch to the new leadership. His testimony reminds us that Alterfin’s true impact is not measured in numbers alone, but above all in commitments and shared values.

Dear co-operative members,
Dear friends, and Alterfin community,

4,000 days, over €800 million disbursed, more than 700 investment committees chaired, more than 500 team meetings organized, over 300 Board meetings, 36 new internal policies implemented, 22 new positions created, 11 General Assemblies and team seminars, countless global and regional crises, 2 Trump terms, and 1 global pandemic...

These are just some of the figures that summarize the 10 years and 9 months during which I had the privilege and honor of leading Alterfin.

But numbers alone never tell the whole story.

They don’t capture the doubts, the weight of responsibility, or the frustrations that come with leadership. They don’t reflect the joy of seeing a team rise to the challenge—always holding fast to our impact, our mission, and our values.

Numbers don’t express the pride I felt in watching my colleagues grow, both professionally and personally. They don’t show the extraordinary cohesion of this team in the face of adversity, proving day after day that we can make a lasting impact while remaining financially solid.

Numbers lack depth and soul. Alterfin has both in abundance.

After 4,000 days as Managing Director, I am proud to hand over the baton to Luc. I have no doubt that under his leadership, Alterfin will continue to make a difference.

I am profoundly grateful to all those who placed their trust in me: our Board of Directors, our cooperative members, and above all my colleagues. Thank you.

If I have helped Alterfin grow during my tenure, Alterfin has, in turn, profoundly changed my vision of the world. And that, too, is something that numbers can never capture.

Cooperatively yours,

Jean-Marc Debricon

Alterfin co-op member since 2015

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