Samuelson paves the way in male-dominated industry

From working in retail for about seven years, Adell Samuelson progressed to be the general manager of Puma Energy Namibia - the first woman in Namibia and Africa to hold this position. Currently, she also is the chairperson of the board of governors of the Namibia Oil Industry Association, where she is the only female member.

Samuelson hails from Swakopmund and was the first of her siblings to study at tertiary level. Without a clear picture of a career, 18-year-old Samuelson pursued her interest in the transport business and what it had to offer.

At the time, she observed a lack of career opportunities for women when she applied for work at transport-related companies. She, however, remained determined in her quest and was afforded the opportunity to join the British Petroleum (BP) group in 2001.

At BP, the journey was not easy as all her predecessors were male and she found herself in the middle of a male-dominated industry.

“I truly enjoyed competing and showing my determination and drive as a woman,” she said.

This time was very insightful and a huge learning experience, she added.

Her first role was as a retail manager, overseeing all service stations in Namibia and the Northern Cape area. She then moved to the aviation business as a supply manager.

From 2011, she was the business support manager at Puma Energy, responsible for pricing, supply and customer care. And then came the appointment as general manager for Puma Energy Namibia in May 2022.

Samuelson completed a bachelor of economics degree at the University of Stellenbosch and then obtained a bachelor of business administration degree. She firmly believes in honing her skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis by doing further courses and taking part in various initiatives to stay abreast of the newest developments and trends.



Dynamic role

As general manager, she manages the company’s various business components to ensure its profitability and financial cash flow is healthy and growing. Also, part of the responsibility is that the company’s supply chain delivers services and products to its consumers on time.

Puma Energy’s purpose is "energising communities through driving growth, prosperity and sustainably serving its customers' energy needs in Namibia".

Hence, Puma Energy Namibia approaches its customers on a business to business basis through its fuel stations, while making a business connection with the wider public and all facets of transport.

Puma Energy Namibia:

o Supplies about 70% of fuel to the Namibian market and is one of the top role players with 61 retail fuel stations across the country.

o Supplies aviation fuel 24/7 to airlines flying in to and out of Hosea Kutako International, Ondangwa and Eros airports.

o Stores fuel in two terminals in Walvis Bay with a storage capacity of 116 375 cubic metres, dedicated to supplying its downstream operations



A passion for progress

Samuelson said she would like to leave a positive and lasting impression as general manager. “One day when I leave Puma Energy, I would love to leave a company that is progressive and does things differently."

"It is important to cater to customers and their needs while still supplying the primary product Puma Energy is known for. We need to know the needs of our future consumers, the youth.

“When stopping at a fuel station, they should be offered free Wi-Fi and a variety of food options in the convenience stores,” she added.

According to Samuelson, her job is demanding but interesting every day. Attention to detail is important, such as with the variety of projects and to implement positive changes, she said.

Her contributions thus far include an impact to fuel security and supply as well as the delivery of quality products. “This work has become more of a passion. I love to show women that many things are possible when they want to. Do not limit yourself by saying there is no place for women in the energy sector. I am part of the difference and this motivates me,” she said.

"Some of the recent achievements at Puma Energy include implementing the latest technology to improve service delivery to customers. This includes the rollout of the e-Puma fuel access efficiency system, enabling customers to do all their fuel business with us online - placing orders, and accessing statements and invoices. The company has incorporated franchise shops at its fuel station such as OK Express, which is a capital-intensive project," the general manager said.



Interesting facts about Adell Samuelson:

1. I enjoy spending time with my family

2. I do F-45 – functional strength training

3. I enjoy reading news online

4. I was part of the national netball team in 1997

5. I am a member of the Old Wheelers Club and have a passion for vintage cars. I own an Austin Nash Metropolitan car, a 1957 model

6. I enjoy cycling with my children.