In a world characterized by unprecedented technological advances and earth-shaking changes in the global energy landscape, the importance of visionary leadership cannot be overemphasized. At the forefront of Dietsmann—a global leader in industrial maintenance—is Cesare Canevese, CEO, whose journey is both inspiring and instructive. Under his leadership, the company weathered record industry transformation and has become a shining example of innovation, tenacity, and people-focused leadership.
From Naval Command to Global Industry Leadership
Canevese’s promotion to CEO of Dietsmann in 2021 marked the culmination of a career shaped by a diverse array of leadership experiences. His professional journey began in the Italian Navy, where he led teams aboard fleet ships—an early exposure to high-pressure environments that instilled in him a strong foundation in discipline, strategic thinking, and team command. These formative years deeply influenced his approach to corporate leadership in the years to follow.
In 2011, Canevese transitioned into the private sector, joining Dietsmann and embarking on a decade-long ascent through increasingly senior roles. From overseeing recruitment to managing tendering operations in Monaco, serving as country manager in Romania, and eventually taking on the role of regional director for Europe, he gained an intimate understanding of the company’s multifaceted operations. This breadth of experience allowed him to build a solid grasp of the company’s activities across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East—preparing him to lead a multinational organization employing over 7,000 people from 68 different nationalities.
From the outset of his leadership career, Canevese was guided by a clear vision: to shape a company that was not only operationally efficient and commercially robust but also socially responsible. Even when the primary focus was on safety and performance, he anticipated the growing importance of sustainability and adaptability in the energy sector. Over time, this vision has evolved into a reality where Dietsmann leads not just in service delivery but also in environmental stewardship, digital transformation, and cross-disciplinary innovation—proving that the values he championed from day one continue to define the company’s forward momentum.
Shaping Vision for Energy Transition
At the core of Canevese’s leadership is a vision that is distinct, forward-looking, and influenced by the world energy transition. Dietsmann, established in the Netherlands in 1977, has evolved into a maintenance specialist for oil, gas, LNG, power generation, and mining industries. The company is now at the forefront of combining new technologies and methodologies to optimize operational efficiency and uptime while maintaining strict health, safety, and environmental standards.
Canevese is aware that the energy sector is experiencing a paradigm shift, with a transition from conventional oil-based operations towards gas and renewable energy sources. Such a shift demands an overhaul of maintenance practice-from traditional, reactive methods to predictive and prescriptive maintenance driven by artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digitalization.
Under his stewardship, Dietsmann has initiated ambitious initiatives to bring these technologies together, such as deploying AI-based analytics and sophisticated robotic solutions like the ATEX-approved Inspector robot, which was designed in collaboration with Taurob. These solutions facilitate autonomous inspections in dangerous conditions, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
Bridging Vision and Execution: Pivotal Moments
Canevese’s tenure as CEO has been marked by defining moments that tested both his leadership resilience and Dietsmann’s adaptability. One of the most challenging periods came in 2022, when the company was compelled to exit its long-standing operations in Russia following the onset of the Ukraine war. This decision meant severing a profitable relationship built over two decades and impacting more than 2,000 employees. Though painful, the withdrawal underscored Dietsmann’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and prudent decision-making amid geopolitical instability.
That year proved to be a crucible for Canevese. With the energy sector facing mounting global uncertainty, the company’s cost structures, partnerships, and internal morale were all under pressure. It became clear that effective leadership hinged on remaining composed, communicating transparently, and taking swift, strategic action—qualities that defined his approach during this critical phase.
Another transformative moment in Canevese’s leadership was the implementation of Dietsmann’s advanced technology strategy. Introducing AI, robotics, and data-driven maintenance in a traditionally conservative sector demanded both technical proof and high-level trust-building. While the internal teams worked diligently to validate the performance of these innovations, Canevese and his vice presidents engaged directly with client leadership to ensure alignment and confidence. The eventual adoption of these technologies by clients not only validated the company’s direction but also confirmed that digital transformation and commercial viability could go hand in hand. It was a milestone that reaffirmed Dietsmann’s role as a forward-thinking industry partner and Canevese’s belief in the company’s ability to drive meaningful change within the energy landscape.
Evolving Leadership: From Precision to People-Centricity
Canevese’s leadership philosophy has undergone a significant transformation over the course of his career. Initially trained as an engineer, his early focus was on precision, structure, and having the right answers—an approach well-suited to the technical rigor of the energy sector. But as his responsibilities grew, so did his understanding of what effective leadership truly entails.
Over time, Canevese evolved from a directive style to one that is deeply collaborative and human-centered. He now believes that leadership is less about commanding and more about cultivating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute ideas and take initiative. “I prioritize clarity, trust, and authenticity,” he explains, emphasizing that being present and listening are as critical as strategic foresight.
A defining feature of Canevese’s leadership is his commitment to staying connected with teams on the ground. His regular site visits across various countries allow him to understand firsthand the challenges and aspirations of employees, as well as the local geopolitical and technological dynamics affecting their work. These personal interactions reinforce transparency and shared purpose across Dietsmann’s far-reaching operations.
Canevese is also candid about the complexities of leading a people-centric business, especially when difficult decisions such as cost-cutting or restructuring arise. Balancing the expectations of employees, shareholders, and clients requires both decisiveness and emotional intelligence. For him, the key lies in honest communication and compassion—qualities that have grown stronger through years of navigating leadership in a fast-evolving industry.
Cultivating a Cohesive, High-Performance Culture
Sustaining a cohesive corporate culture across multiple geographies is a complex task—especially for a company like Dietsmann, whose operations span Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With a workforce representing diverse backgrounds, languages, and working conditions, the challenge lies in preserving a unified ethos without diluting local relevance.
For Canevese, culture is not a background element—it is the backbone of strategic execution. “Culture is what makes a strategy stick—or fall apart,” he emphasizes. At Dietsmann, the foundation is built on non-negotiable principles: safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. These values go beyond posters on walls; they are woven into how the company hires, trains, promotes, and leads.
As the company has expanded—both organically and through acquisitions—efforts to protect this cultural DNA have intensified. Leadership development has become a core focus. Rather than simply scaling operations, Dietsmann invests in scaling leadership capacity, ensuring that managers are equipped not just with operational skills, but also emotional intelligence. This dual emphasis helps sustain a people-first environment that performs even under pressure.
Dietsmann’s structure supports this commitment. From board-level decisions to on-site execution, vice presidents and country managers play a pivotal role in translating values into daily practice. A family-like atmosphere is encouraged, where meritocracy defines advancement and performance is prioritized over personal circumstance—critical in challenging contexts like conflict zones or remote locations, where a sense of belonging can define resilience.
Just as important is the company’s ongoing commitment to listening. Through regular pulse surveys, open forums, and check-ins, Canevese ensures that culture is not left to chance. It is continuously measured, nurtured, and adjusted when necessary—ensuring that even as the company grows, it never loses its soul.
Innovation with Integrity: Technology as an Enabler
Dietsmann’s approach to innovation is rooted not in disruption for its own sake, but in purposeful evolution—firmly anchored to the company’s core values. As Canevese puts it, “We are not a tech startup that can pivot overnight. Our decisions affect lives, communities, and ecosystems. So we innovate by integration—not detachment.”
At the heart of this transformation lies Dietsmann’s Technology & Engineering Center, which spearheads the company’s Maintenance 4.0 strategy. This hub of progress fuses robotics, mobility, and artificial intelligence to drive safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations.
Among the most notable innovations are:
- Data Acquisition and Analytics: Harvesting real-time technical data from client sites to support predictive maintenance, reduce equipment failures, and minimize downtime.
- Robotic Inspections: Deploying autonomous robots to collect data 24/7 in hazardous or remote areas—improving safety while ensuring continuous operational monitoring.
- Digital Tools: Equipping field teams with ATEX-certified connected glasses and tablets to streamline reporting, enable remote expert support, and simplify training.
Each advancement is evaluated through three guiding questions: Does it enhance service quality? Does it align with long-term commitments? Does it respect the communities and environments we operate in? By keeping these questions front and center, Dietsmann ensures that every technological upgrade strengthens—not sidesteps—its responsibility as a global energy service partner.
Importantly, innovation at Dietsmann is not just top-down. Some of the most effective breakthroughs originate from the field—from engineers, technicians, and site teams who understand daily realities. Cultivating an environment where team members feel empowered to challenge convention is key to sustaining innovation with relevance.
Canevese remains particularly attuned to the human dimension of change. Rather than allowing technology to replace people, he views it as an enabler that complements their expertise. Open communication and continuous upskilling are essential in preparing employees—particularly those concerned about AI—for a future where man and machine work side by side.
Leading with Purpose in a Transforming World
Canevese’s leadership at Dietsmann is a study in balancing bold vision with human-centered integrity. By steering the company through technological transformation, reinforcing a cohesive global culture, and making values-driven decisions in times of uncertainty, he has positioned Dietsmann to thrive in an energy industry undergoing profound change.
One of the defining moments of his leadership was the decision to divest from a historically significant and profitable region—a step driven not by short-term gain, but by long-term strategic and ESG alignment. “It was emotionally difficult,” he reflects, “but clarity of purpose means making decisions for the future, not the past.” What mattered most was how the decision was communicated—openly, respectfully, and with care for those affected.
This commitment to transparency and purpose defines Canevese’s approach. Under his guidance, Dietsmann continues to evolve as a forward-looking, responsible, and resilient organization—one that not only adapts to the demands of a rapidly changing energy landscape but leads with conviction.
As the energy transition accelerates, Canevese’s leadership offers a compelling blueprint—one that proves operational excellence and ethical stewardship are not opposing forces, but powerful partners.
Commitment to Africa: Building Sustainable Partnerships
Africa is still a strategic priority for Dietsmann, where the firm has strong roots in several countries and industries. Canevese underlines the essence of local content and alliances, aware that long-term success relies on grasping and respecting local contexts.
Attendance at events such as African Energy Week (AEW) is a demonstration of Dietsmann’s dedication to the continent. AEW offers a platform for open, industry-led networking, bringing Dietsmann into contact with clients, partners, and players in emerging markets. The company’s continued investment in Africa is a demonstration of a long-term vision of shared growth and value creation.
Empowering People in a Digital Age
At the heart of Dietsmann lies its most vital asset: its people. The company is deeply committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and fulfilling workplace—one that nurtures equal opportunity, collaboration, and innovation. Employees are not only encouraged to grow but are empowered to do so at both local and global levels, in tandem with Dietsmann’s evolving technological landscape.
Canevese brings a distinctly personal lens to this professional vision. His core values—discipline and curiosity—have consistently shaped how he leads. Whether it’s mentoring young professionals, reading widely, or staying present at operational sites, he believes real leadership happens where the work is done. “Being out on site, talking to teams, and seeing the environments we operate in keeps me grounded,” he shares.
This grounded approach is critical in an age where digital innovation can cause uncertainty, especially regarding job security. Aware of this, Canevese ensures that Dietsmann’s push toward digitalization is matched by open communication and continuous upskilling. By investing in training programs and fostering a culture of transparency, the company prepares its workforce—not to fear innovation, but to thrive within it.
The younger generation, especially, embraces this shift. Their adaptability and enthusiasm for technology signal a smooth transition between generations—a future where performance and progress go hand in hand. And as Dietsmann scales, the foundational values Canevese champions remain fully intact: responsibility, connection, and a deep respect for the people who power the company’s success.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Vision and Collaboration
As Canevese looks ahead, his focus remains not just on the milestones reached, but on the legacy taking shape in his wake. He hopes his tenure will be remembered for more than performance metrics or expansion charts—for leading with integrity, for strengthening the cultural fabric of Dietsmann, and for standing firm on ethical ground even in turbulent times.
“I want people to say we didn’t just chase margins—we created meaning,” he reflects. His vision for legacy is grounded in trust: the kind that flows seamlessly from the boardroom to the field, and from long-standing clients to new-generation employees. In an industry often dominated by volatility and numbers, Canevese has built a narrative of consistency, transparency, and people-first leadership.
To the next generation of CEOs, his message is both a challenge and a call to action: lead with purpose. Leadership today, he insists, cannot rest solely on strategies and returns—it must be rooted in impact. “You won’t always have perfect information,” he says, “but you can always lead with clear intent and unwavering values.”
Some principles, he believes, are timeless: integrity, accountability, transparency. But in an era shaped by transformation and uncertainty, Canevese emphasizes the need for empathy. “People need to know you are human,” he affirms, “that you are listening, learning, and leading with humility.”
It’s this balance—of vision and vulnerability, of strength and sincerity—that defines his leadership. And it’s this same balance that will continue to shape Dietsmann’s path forward, long after Canevese’s footsteps mark the trail.
Shaping the Future Beyond the Horizon
Looking ahead, Dietsmann’s vision under Canevese’s leadership is anchored in legacy, not just leadership—a legacy defined by long-term value creation, visionary strategy, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Canevese champions a culture of teamwork where challenges are addressed through constructive problem-solving, not blame—favoring root-cause analysis and continuous improvement over quick fixes.
He sees success not in quarterly profits, but in building a resilient, forward-looking platform that empowers stakeholders for years to come. “In ten years,” he envisions, “Dietsmann will not just be an energy contractor—but a fully integrated, progressive service provider that is more digital, more decarbonized, and more collaborative across the value chain.”
Even if he’s no longer in the CEO seat a decade from now, Canevese expects to remain deeply connected—perhaps serving on the board, mentoring new leaders, and continuing to uphold the mission that has defined his journey. His leadership is shaped by humility, transparency, and an uncompromising dedication to ethics, innovation, and people.
If the next chapter unfolds as he hopes, the future leaders of Dietsmann will not only inherit a strong foundation—they’ll be inspired and equipped to take the company further than ever imagined.
