International expansion, strategic vision, and human value: how do you grow while staying true to your identity?

International expansion, strategic vision, and human value: how do you grow while staying true to your identity?
We discussed this with Olivier Hemar, Chief International Operations Officer at Groupe Adéquat, a key figure in a development project that combines strong local roots with global perspective.
Read the full interview to discover how the Group – with AxL at the forefront of the Italian market – is tackling the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s world of work.

 

1. Groupe Adéquat is experiencing a strong phase of international expansion. Which countries are involved, and what vision drives this development?

Yes, our growth path is now well defined. We are already present in France (where our headquarters are located), Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, and Canada. Soon we’ll be expanding our presence in Spain and entering the UK as well.
This is not just about geographic expansion; it’s a strategic project aimed at building a solid, cohesive group that remains deeply rooted in local specificities.
Our strength lies in combining an international scale with a human approach: we remain a family-owned group, with a long-term entrepreneurial vision focused on respect for people, communities, and relationships.

 

2. Within the European context, what role does AxL play in the Italian market?
AxL – Agenzia per il Lavoro is a key player within the Group and currently one of the fastest-growing staffing agencies in Italy. The Italian market is strategic for us, both in terms of size and future potential.
AxL perfectly embodies the values of Groupe Adéquat: strong local presence, service quality, and closeness to workers and companies.
In a context where the labor market faces major challenges around flexibility and inclusion, AxL represents a virtuous model that deserves support and further development.

 

3. Many companies grow quickly but lose their identity along the way. How do you maintain consistency and human values during expansion?
It’s a constant challenge. We tackle it with three key words: listening, respect, autonomy.
Each company in the Group brings its own culture and know-how. We don’t enforce uniformity; we promote value.
This is especially true for fast-growing organizations like AxL, which continue to stay true to their identity.
Our role is to create an ecosystem where best practices can circulate—without compromising what already works locally.

 

4. Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the coming months?
We want to consolidate new openings and strengthen our presence in key countries. At the same time, we will continue to invest in service quality, digital innovation, and worker welfare.
In Italy, we’ll keep supporting AxL’s development through new branches and targeted initiatives.
Our goal is not just to grow in numbers, but to contribute—country by country—to building a more equitable, modern, and inclusive labor market.
And as always, we will do it by putting people at the center.