At the helm: ENGIE appoints Jacques Boonen as Country Manager for Southeast Asia

The appointment follows the departure of long-serving regional leader Varun Gujral, who played a key role in building and expanding the business across the region.

ENGIE has announced a leadership transition across its Southeast Asia and Supply & Energy Management businesses in Asia Pacific following the departure of Varun Gujral.

The leadership change took effect on 1 July 2026 and sees Jacques Boonen taking on the additional role of Country Manager for Southeast Asia, while continuing as Managing Director of Local Energy Infrastructures Southeast Asia.

The appointment follows Varun’s departure after 14 years with the company. A founding member of ENGIE's Supply & Energy Management business in Asia Pacific since 2012, he played a key role in building and expanding the business across the region.

During his tenure, Varun helped establish platforms in strategic markets including Japan and India, while strengthening the company's regional trading capabilities and supporting its energy transition ambitions. He most recently served in a dual role as Country Manager for Southeast Asia and CEO of Supply & Energy Management Asia Pacific.

Commenting on the transition, Rik De Buyserie, Regional Vice President, Transformation and Geographies, Africa and APAC, acknowledged Gujral's contribution to the organisation.

"Varun has made a significant contribution to ENGIE’s development in Asia Pacific and laid a strong foundation for future growth in the region," he said.

He thanked Varun for his leadership and the work he had done over the past 14 years, while expressing confidence that Jacques’ leadership experience would position the company well to seize future opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Jacques brings broad experience in strategy, operations and sustainable transformation. Since joining ENGIE in 2008, he has held senior leadership positions across Europe, North America, and Asia. Since 2025, he has led the company's Local Energy Infrastructures division in Southeast Asia, overseeing the expansion of low-carbon infrastructure and integrated decarbonisation solutions.

Meanwhile, Jules Dufournier has been appointed Managing Director of Supply & Energy Management Asia Pacific, taking over the Supply & Energy Management Asia Pacific business with more than 25 years of experience in energy markets. Having joined ENGIE in 2002, he has held leadership roles across Europe and Asia Pacific, contributing to the growth of the company's Supply & Energy Management operations in the region.

The latest appointments form part of ENGIE's ongoing leadership succession efforts in Asia Pacific and reflect its continued focus on supporting customers and stakeholders as the region advances its energy transition.

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Photo / Jacques Boonen's LinkedIn