Teammate Spotlight: Thierry Ferec – Embracing Challenges and Change

Meet Thierry Ferec, a Senior Project Manager with Hargrove Controls & Automation. Having worked in multiple facilities and industries over the years, Thierry’s ability to understand the challenges that clients face and to contribute a fresh perspective to complicated projects strengthens the capabilities of the Hargrove Team.

“Our Teammates are very competent and always willing to help resolve clients’ issues,” said Thierry when reflecting on what it’s like to be a Hargrove Teammate. “This extends to the rest of the organization. You can always find someone in the organization that can help you find an answer to your question.”

Early Career

Thierry achieved a master’s in engineering from the École Polytechnique de l’Université de Lorraine in Nancy, France. Thierry also holds a master’s in automation and robotics from the Institut National Polytechnique de Lorrain and an MBA from the Institut d’Administration des Entreprises de Nancy.

Thierry’s first job in the industry was in a newly created position as the plant process control engineer at the Rohm & Haas plant in Lauterbourg, France. There, he handled instrumentation, controls, and electrical. He later transferred to Rohm & Haas Corporate Engineering in Philadelphia, PA, where he worked on projects involving the implementation of Emerson PROVOX™ systems in several batch facilities. Thierry went on to become a Plant Reliability and Maintenance Manager in two facilities in Texas. His final position with Rohm & Haas was as a Procurement Regional Manager where he supported 14 plants across the U.S.

Later, Thierry went on to work for Emerson and two Emerson Impact partners – Puffer and Control Associates – to pursue project management. Before leaving Emerson, he was Project Manager on a 350 process analyzers – 27 Analyzers Shelters project for his last assignment. At Puffer, he was manager of hardware project services (design, panel shop, & project management). Later at Control Associates, Thierry worked primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. He fondly remembers supporting a large cybersecurity project and a digital twin project that worked to manufacture pharmaceuticals by a continuous process instead of in batches.

“I want to be continually challenged by new projects and new technology,” said Thierry. “The reason I chose to move to project management is that it allows me to work on a diverse portfolio of projects that are always unique. This keeps me on my toes and forces me to always learn something new.”

Working at Hargrove

“Hargrove has great people that make projects easier for a PM to manage,” said Thierry, who has been with Hargrove for two and a half years. His current role is to ensure projects are managed effectively and maintain Hargrove’s high standards. Thierry sees himself as the focal point for all issues that may arise during a project’s execution and understands it’s his job to remove any barriers that might impede a project from progressing efficiently.

“I like the diversity of clients Hargrove is associated with; each client is unique with their own challenges they are trying to resolve,” said Thierry. He also enjoys the opportunity to work on projects around digital transformation and OT with Hargrove.

“I have worked with Thierry on dozens of projects since he arrived at Hargrove,” said Alan Polk, PE, OT & Cybersecurity Leader with Hargrove Controls & Automation. “He always goes the extra mile to ensure that the customer’s concerns are being met, and his passion to deliver excellence inspires the project team to follow his example.”

Outside of Hargrove

Thierry grew up in Brittany, France, but now lives near NASA in Houston – close to the Hargrove Pasadena office – with his wife of 18 years, Samantha, and their three cats. The pair enjoys visiting family in France when they can.

When he’s not taking on challenges for clients, Thierry enjoys dining out with his wife, noting that Houston has a fantastic restaurant scene to explore. He is also an avid reader when he finds the time.

Thierry reflects on what has been important for his career. “If someone offers you a position outside your comfort zone, take it,” he said. “In short, embrace changes.”