In the heart of Mauritius’s thriving International Financial Centre, success is often measured by numbers, structures, and jurisdictions. Yet, at Intercontinental Trust Limited (ITL) – one of the leading management companies -, the true pulse of the organisation is found in its people. ITL has cultivated a culture where the “human element” is the most valuable asset in the portfolio.
Each year, ITL organises the Employee Awards t oshine a light on the people who raise the bar day after day, through their dedication, professionalism, and the way they show up for clients and colleagues alike. These awards are not merely a ritual of recognition; they are a profound look into the lives of the professionals who treat their work not as a job, but as a calling. From the “engineers of details” who manage million-dollar funds to the “sunshine spirits” who keep the internal fires burning, and the “ambassadors” who carry the ITL banner into the sporting arena, these winners represent the past, present, and ambitious future of the ITL family.
The CEO’s Excellence Award: A Journey of Ten Years and a Thousand Lessons
For Sandrine Troubat, Assistant Manager, Business Development, the receipt of the CEO’s Excellence Award is the crowning achievement of a decade-long odyssey. Her story is a quintessential ITL narrative: one of a trainee who arrived with an open mind and evolved into a cornerstone of the Business Development team. Sandrine reflects on the transformative power of her time at the firm: “What started as an exciting opportunity, as a trainee 10 years ago, became a journey that shaped my career, that has been defined by both personal growth and professional development. When I first joined ITL, I was eager to learn and grow, but I didn’t know where the path would take me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredibly talented people who have not only mentored me but also challenged me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Looking back, it’s been a rewarding mix of learning new skills, tackling challenges, and having a front-row seat to ITL’s continued success.”
Winning such a prestigious accolade can be overwhelming, yet Sandrine views the honour through the lens of the collective rather than the individual. She said, “At first, I was puzzled, but winning the CEO’s Excellence Award is a true honour. I’ve always believed that growth isn’t just about individual achievement but also about teamwork. It’s a reflection of the collaboration and support from my colleagues and mentors throughout my journey at ITL. I am also grateful for the opportunities and the trust that the leadership team has placed in me.”
As she casts her gaze toward 2026, her vision for the firm is one of empowerment and industry-wide influence. She notes, “Heading into 2026, I see ITL continuing to lead in innovation and stay ahead of the curve, while creating even more value for our clients and continuing to foster an environment where our teams thrive, grow and feel empowered to make a real impact on the industry and beyond.”
The AI Adopter Award 2025: Bridging Governance and the Digital Frontier
In a fast-moving financial environment, the ability to pivot toward new technology is vital. Aurelie Kong, Senior Administrator, Listing Division, this year’s AI Adopter, has masterfully combined the meticulous world of the Listing Division with the experimental world of Artificial Intelligence. Since joining in 2022, she has become a bridge between solid corporate governance and the digital future. “My career path has been a mix of solid governance experience and embracing innovation early. I started at ITL in 2022 and since then, I’ve gained broad exposure across GBC companies, listed entities, Special License structures, and domestic companies, which has really expanded my knowledge of the corporate and financial environment. Alongside that, I’ve been actively involved in several AI initiatives projects. Overall, it’s been a journey of continuous growth, learning, and impact,” she explained.
Aurelie’s recognition stems from her willingness to explore the “how” and “why” of technological efficiency, ensuring that ITL remains at the vanguard of the industry. “I feel genuinely honoured and grateful to receive the AI Adopter Award. For me, it’s recognition that embracing innovation can create real value, not just for me, but for the wider team and our clients.”
Looking forward, Aurelie sees AI not as a replacement for human expertise, but as the engine that allows human talent to flourish in 2026 and beyond. She says, “Going into 2026, I’d love to see ITL continue leading the industry as one of the first movers in adopting AI and embedding it even more across the business. Since we’re in a fast-moving financial environment, I hope we keep exploring new tools that make our work faster, smarter, and more client focused.”
Most Promising Employee 2025: The Power of Diverse Perspectives
Ian Chenel’s journey proves that excellence is often found in the most varied of backgrounds. Having navigated sectors ranging from civil engineering to the precision of a pastry shop, Ian brought a unique discipline and versatility to the ITL Treasury Services team in mid-2024. He said, “My career started in 2009 when I got my first job working for a construction and civil engineering company. I started off as a trainee administrator, and my roles were diverse throughout the years. From general admin to being involved with the company’s IT infrastructure and purchasing for both the office and various construction projects, my time there took me through many different departments and fields. I then got a job after that in a pastry shop for some time in charge of purchasing and costing before I joined ITL in mid 2024.”
Despite his relatively short tenure, Ian’s impact has been profound, earning him the title of Most Promising Employee. “The past year and a half that I’ve spent at ITL have been very challenging yet gratifying. I am grateful for the recognition and the opportunity that I have been given. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during this journey, from the COSEC teams to my colleagues in treasury and upper management.”
Ian’s aspirations for 2026 are defined by a deep sense of loyalty and a drive to repay the faith the firm has placed in him. He said, “My aspirations at ITL for 2026 are to keep on learning and growing as a professional and to contribute to the company’s success and growth. Looking forward to creating even stronger bonds with the ITL community. To continue proving my worth to the company and to those who have put their faith in me.”
Best Employee 2025: The Engineer of Details and the Bigger Story
For Jean Philippe Wong, Manager, Business Development is not just where he works—it is where he became who he is today. Over a decade ago, an aspiring corporate lawyer walked through the doors of ITL for a temporary chapter of exposure. He never left. His career has been one of high-stakes precision and meaningful global impact. He shared, “A little more than a decade ago, I completed my undergraduate course in Law and Management from the University of Mauritius, aspiring to pursue a career in corporate law. Before undertaking further courses, I wanted to work for a while and gain some corporate exposure, so I joined ITL as an Assistant Fund Administrator in 2015 – but then I never looked back. What I thought would be a single chapter became the start of a journey that shaped my life and who I am today. For over six years, I was deeply engaged in the administration of the Africa-focused private equity funds of our clients that were investing in farms, schools, hospitals, power plants, data centres and other key infrastructure – all projects that were bringing about transformative growth for Africa. I was instantly captivated by the vision behind these projects and passionate about delivering the best service possible to support them.”
Jean Philippe views his role with a unique, poetic rigour—one that perfectly captures the essence of the firm’s dedication to its clients. He explains, “From day one, every assignment felt like more than a task, it was a chance to contribute to something bigger. I often think of our job as that of an ‘engineer of details’, ensuring precision in every single deliverable to uphold the reputation and compliance of our clients as they regroup investors and undertake million-dollar projects that build bridges, power homes, and change lives. That passion eventually led me to transition from the Fund Team to the Business Development Team, where we make first contact with new clients and partners, listen to their stories, share our own and aim to provide the simplest solutions to the most complex problems. Looking back, my journey at ITL has been one of self-discovery and of realising how meaningful the work that we do is for Mauritius, Africa, and beyond. If there is one message that I would share with new and future members of the ITL family, it is this: at ITL, your work is never just work – it is part of a bigger story.”
The Best Employee award arrives at a time of both professional triumph and immense personal grief for Jean Philippe. In a moving tribute, he shares the motivation behind his success. He notes, “I feel deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition, especially as it coincides with my tenth year at ITL. It reflects the trust and appreciation of Management and colleagues whom I have been looking up to, and whom I have had the privilege of working with and learning from since the start of my journey. These milestones also give me a sense of destiny. Recently, while revisiting old files, I came across my undergraduate dissertation titled ‘Mauritius as an IFC – Why Mauritius?’. It feels as though life has come full circle since then. This recognition also carries a deeply personal meaning in what has been the toughest period of my life, marked by the loss of my mother in her courageous battle against cancer. She was my greatest supporter – waking up at 5 AM every day to prepare my meals for work, checking on me throughout the day, and cheering me on – a true ‘maman poule’, as we say in French. Winning this award feels like a tribute to her love and strength, and to the incredible support that I have been receiving all along from my family – both at home and at ITL. A special thanks to my dear Team BD for being not only exceptional colleagues but earnest friends throughout this journey, and to our Director, Françoise, for being such an empowering leader and inspiring role model to us all. This recognition is for everyone who believed in me and played a part in my journey, especially during the toughest chapters. I am truly thankful and will keep striving to give my best every day.”
Looking to 2026, Jean Philippe’s vision is focused on preserving the agility and independence that make ITL unique. He concludes, “ITL is more than a company – it is a symbol of what Mauritius can achieve on the global stage. We are one of the largest management companies in Mauritius that remain fully independent and owner-managed, with a leadership team who is intrinsically connected to the story of the jurisdiction and committed to its continued development. We combine the scale of a 300-strong team with the agility of a boutique firm, delivering personalised, innovative, and world-class service. My aspiration for ITL in 2026 is to preserve this identity while continuing to lead, innovate, diversify our offering, and enable impact across Africa and beyond. And because our success has always been built on the proximity, commitment, and resourcefulness of our people, I wish continued and abundant opportunities for every team member to learn, grow, and contribute to the next chapter of our story.”
The Sunshine Spirit Award 2025: The Warmth Within the Office
Culture is the invisible glue of a company, and Melissa Armance, Senior Corporate Administrator, Corporate Services, is the personification of that positive energy. Over the last four years, her transition into the Private Office has allowed her to showcase both her professional growth and her unwavering positivity. She shares, “I have been with ITL for the past four years, starting in Corporate Services where I built a strong foundation in client servicing and administration. Over the last two years, I transitioned into the Private Office, which has allowed me to broaden my exposure and take on more specialised responsibilities. This progression has been both rewarding and instrumental in my professional growth. I look forward to continuing my learning journey, developing new skills, and growing alongside the organisation.”
The Sunshine Spirit Award recognises the individuals who make the office a better place simply by being in it, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. “I am truly honoured and grateful to receive the Sunshine Spirit Award. This recognition is especially meaningful as it reflects not only my efforts but also the support, collaboration, and encouragement of my colleagues. It motivates me to continue contributing positively and leading with the same spirit every day,” says Melissa.
Melissa’s 2026 aspirations perfectly encapsulate the holistic spirit of the ITL family. She notes, “As we move into 2026, my aspiration for ITL is to see the organisation continue to grow through innovation, teamwork, and excellence. I hope to contribute to strengthening our processes, nurturing talent, and enhancing client satisfaction. Above all, I look forward to being part of ITL’s continued success and shared achievements.”
The ITL Ambassador Award: Triumphs Beyond the Boardroom
While individual excellence drives the firm’s professional engine, the ITL Ambassador Award celebrates those who represent ITL brilliantly beyond the workplace, whether at competitions, community events, or industry platforms. This year, the ITL Bowling Team once again took the concept of “ambassadorship” to new heights, delivering a masterclass in sporting excellence. The bowling team had an incredible run of success this year, demonstrating a level of focus and skill that mirrors ITL’s approach to business. Their dominance was on full display in November 2025, where they achieved a historic clean sweep, securing all three top spots at the Mauritius Bowling Federation – Bagatelle Open Silver Scratch Tournament.
But the triumphs didn’t stop there. Carrying the ITL spirit of “teamwork over individual glory,” the squad participated in the Duo Silver Scratch League Tournament and the Crazy Team Friendship Tournament, both held at Strike City, Bagatelle. Their presence at these events served as a reminder that the ITL brand stands for engagement, friendship, and high-level performance in every arena.
On 9 December 2025, the team continued their winning streak, securing a hard-fought 3rd place at the prestigious Battle Average Silver Tournament, once again at Strike City Bagatelle. The success of the team culminated in a joyous celebration at the Mauritius Bowling Federation Award Night, where the champions were honoured for their achievements. By bringing home these accolades, the bowling team has shown that whether it is in the office or on the lanes, the ITL spirit is synonymous with victory.
