Trace has appointed Gwladys Watrin as the Managing Director of Trace Academia and Trace Rwanda, a move aimed at advancing its presence in the educational sector and expanding its footprint in the country of a thousand hills.
Watrin, a dual citizen of France and Rwanda, brings over 15 years of invaluable experience in international finance to her new role.
In particular, she played a big role in establishing and promoting the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC) as a major pan-African business and financial hub.
Based in Kigali, Gwladys will supervise the first growth of Trace Academia, an e-learning and empowerment platform spanning Africa, Europe, the Indian Ocean, Caribbean, and Brazil.
Additionally, she will lead Trace Rwanda, a new division tasked with expanding Trace's activities in the creative industries within Rwanda in particular.
ALSO READ: What can Rwandan artistes, event organisers learn from Trace Awards?
Olivier Laouchez, Trace Chairman and Cofounder, expressed his eagerness about Gwladys joining the team, highlighting her strong background in finance and project management.
He said: "We are extremely happy to welcome Gwladys at Trace. In addition to her very strong background in finance and project management, she will bring to Trace her passion and energy to build solutions aligned with Trace’s mission to entertain and empower our people."
Watrin via her X handle also posted: "I am incredibly honored to have been appointed as the Managing Director of Trace Academia! Excited to work together to empower learners worldwide from Rwanda!"
In 2023, Rwanda hosted the prestigious Trace Awards on October 21, at BK Arena. The event marked a significant milestone as the first time the awards were hosted on the African continent.
The glamorous ceremony celebrated outstanding musicians from Africa and beyond, with stars like Tanzania star Diamond Platnumz, Davido, Rema, and others receiving their respective accolades.
Rwandan artists seized the opportunity provided by the Trace Awards platform, with talents like singer Bruce Melodie securing recognition as the best Rwandan artist.
The event also showcased a couple of local talents, including Ish Kevin, Angell, Bwiza, Kivumbi King, and Mike Makembe during pre-awards shows and red-carpet moments.
About Trace
Etablished in 2003, it is a leading multimedia and digital platform dedicated to Afro-Urban music, cultures, and the success of young people and artists. With 350 million fans in 180 countries, Trace continues to be a significant player in the entertainment industry.
About Trace Academia
Trace Academia is a division of Trace that publishes a free mobile app with courses and certificates dedicated to jobs, entrepreneurship, and soft skills.
Trace Academia empowers young people, with a particular focus on young women. In addition to its free e-learning platform, Trace Academia has launched in person learning programs and has mobilised a coalition of partners that provide learners with opportunities to kickstart their careers.