Career & Milestones

Official Timeline & Milestones

TRAJECTORY & VISION

Dual Expertise: Legal Rigour & Public Narrative

15+

Years of Experience

17

Chronological Milestones

5

ECOWAS Countries Overseen

2

Continents (Africa & Europe)
1986
Origins

Birth in Abidjan

Côte d’Ivoire

Gabrielle Claire Hadja Lemaire was born on 10 July 1986 in Abidjan, where she completed her primary and secondary education.

Studies
Education

Economic and Social Baccalaureate (BAC ES)

Belgium

Following her move to Belgium, she successfully obtained her Economic and Social Baccalaureate.

Studies
Law

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

She entered the Université Libre de Bruxelles, where she obtained her law degree, laying the foundation for her analysis of institutional and regulatory frameworks.

Studies
Specialisation

Specialisation in Marketing & Communications

European Communication School, Brussels

Passionate about marketing and brand positioning, she specialised in these strategic forward-looking disciplines.

Studies
Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Arts (MA) in Communications, Marketing & Political Crisis Management

University of Westminster, London

She relocated to London to complete her Master's degree, consolidating her expertise in political crisis management and influence communications.

Career
Corporate

Marketing Department

GDF Suez, Brussels

Initial professional tenure within a leading European multinational energy group.

Career
Media

Head of Editorial Content & Development

D8 News

She directed the editorial team and programming development of the broadcaster's flagship news transmission.

2012
International Banking

Director of Communications — Ivorian Subsidiary

BNP Paribas (Scope across 5 ECOWAS Nations)

She took helm of the communications department for the French banking group's Ivorian subsidiary, spanning five ECOWAS nations.

Establishment
Advisory Agency

Founder & Managing Director — Barons Agency

Barons — Communications Advisory Agency

Founder of her own benchmark advisory firm in Abidjan and Brussels. The firm directs pivotal projects for strategic Ivorian government ministries (Transport, Petroleum & Energy, Water and Forests, Budget).

Advisory
Public Affairs

Adviser to the Minister of Water and Forests

Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

Strategic counsel to the ministry on communications priorities, environmental governance, and sustainable development.

Advisory
Climate & Impact

Adviser to the President of COP15

UN Climate Conference of the Parties (COP15)

Strategic counsel to the COP15 Presidency on international communications and stakeholder mobilisation for land restoration.

Ongoing
Philanthropy

Vice-President

Didier Drogba Foundation

Operational and strategic co-direction of the Foundation's programmes (health, education, female empowerment, and sustainable development).

Ongoing
Nutrition

Co-Founder & Partner

Le Petit Potager — Infant Nutrition

Co-founding of a wholesome, balanced infant nutrition brand, championing nutritional excellence and parent support.

2023
E1 Racing

Team Co-Owner — UIM E1 Championship

Team Drogba Global Africa

Investment and co-ownership in the inaugural world all-electric raceboat championship (UIM E1 Series), combining marine motorsport with ocean conservation.

2026
World Victory

Victory at the E1 Monaco Grand Prix

Team Drogba Global Africa

Team Drogba secured victory at the prestigious Monegasque round of the E1 all-electric world championship.

Ongoing
Network

Active Member

European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham)

Active engagement across Euro-African business networks and the advancement of economic partnerships between Europe and Africa.