Philippe Somers is a multi-lingual, Antwerp-born Belgian citizen, who has spent more than half of his life overseas in the various industry corners of the project world, spread over Africa, Middle East, Europe , United States and the Far East.

He started his career and learned the trade in the breakbulk port of Antwerp, working in stevedoring and as a cargo inspector. Shortly after he joined Panalpina, where he started his overseas career and in particular his first interface with the project industry in Africa. While based in Houston, he was also one of the first staff members that put Industrial Projects as an integrated, core business on the map for DHL after their acquisition of Danzas.

Before founding ACE 54 and in over 12 years, he set up the Geodis global industrial projects network in more than 40 countries and made them one of the leaders in the project forwarding industry.
Philippe created Dubai-based ACE 54, a first-ever, unique concept, where the company provides pricing and technical support to the mid-size and niche international project forwarders during their door-to-door tenders in Africa.

Philippe recently joined the Bollore Group as Head of Energy x Projects, North Asia, covering Japan, South Korea and Taiwan based in Tokyo.