Maryse Basquez: A Career Driven by Passion and Possibility
For more than 20 years, Maryse Basquez has built her career alongside the evolution of RYAM France. Her journey reflects loyalty, adaptability, and a deep passion for people, innovation, and problem-solving.
A Career Shaped by Curiosity and Opportunity
Maryse began in 1999 at the Saint-Gaudens mill as an analyst, later becoming Chief Accountant. When Tembec acquired the French mills, she led the rollout of cash pooling across France—her first experience in international collaboration. “That’s when I first met our Canadian colleagues—and their wonderfully distinctive accents,” she recalls.
Her career advanced steadily. As Financial Manager at the Tarascon mill, she steered the team through ownership transitions and honed her expertise in management control. In 2012, she joined the Tartas Finance team, where she supported operations and led a major transformation: the introduction of SAP.
“The RYAM acquisition brought a very dynamic culture. The American way of thinking—where nothing is impossible—pushed us out of our comfort zones. For many of us in France, it was an opportunity to grow and become more agile,” she reflects.
Today, as Manager Administrative & Business Solutions, Maryse structures administrative and financial frameworks for biomaterials projects while advancing France’s digital transformation. “These projects are the future of the group, and their impact will benefit everyone at RYAM,” she says.
Teamwork with a Touch of Chocolate
Ask Maryse about Finance in France, and her pride is immediate. Split between Tartas and Dax, the team works in close daily contact. “We’re a tight-knit group, a mix of experienced colleagues and younger recruits. Everyone brings expertise—and good humor. We even share plenty of chocolatines at morning meetings,” she says.
That mix of camaraderie and rigor is essential, especially during demanding reporting cycles. “Our team embraces change and is always ready to evolve, especially as digitalization reshapes the finance function,” she adds.
Passion for Industry and Innovation
What keeps Maryse motivated after so many years? The variety and the connections. “I interact with every part of the company—technical, administrative, and operational. It’s incredibly rewarding to adapt, learn, and collaborate with so many different people.”
She draws inspiration from the industry itself. “The flows of materials and regeneration loops—it’s almost magical. And the innovations in wood-based products are limitless. I love when colleagues explain the latest breakthroughs in biomaterials. It makes me feel like finance is directly tied to creating something new.”
For Maryse, financial management is more than numbers. It links the past, present, and future—analyzing performance, shaping forecasts, and supporting innovation.
Life Beyond the Office
Maryse’s energy extends beyond work. A proud mother of two boys, she supports their rugby and football pursuits while staying active herself with tennis and running. “I like to say I’m sporty for non-athletes, but not sporty enough for real athletes,” she laughs. Yet she regularly runs 10 km and competes in tennis tournaments.
Travel is another passion. From Disney adventures in Orlando to Mediterranean getaways and Punta Cana, Maryse and her family enjoy discovering new places—especially warm destinations in winter.
For Maryse, the future at RYAM is more than exciting—it’s a chance to keep learning, keep growing, and keep inspiring those around her.
