Operations & Planning Manager, DP World Limassol: Working in Cyprus is challenging but exciting

J. Ernesto Osorio Fuenmayor is originally from Venezuela and has also lived and worked in Spain and Nigeria before coming to Cyprus to seek a better work/life balance.

Describe your current job in Cyprus.

As DP World Limassol’s Operations & Planning Manager, I manage the overall Multi-Purpose Port Planning and Operations activities for Container and Non-Container facilities, including the Energy (oil & gas) and Cruise sectors.

What led to your move to Cyprus?

Before coming to Cyprus, I was living between Spain and Nigeria but I started looking for opportunities that would give me a better work/life balance. When I got a job interview at DP World Limassol, I visited the country for the first time and I was amazed by Cyprus’ multicultural environment, hospitality, stunning beaches, good schools and the variety of options for foreigners as well as how easy it was to communicate with everyone, as most people here speak English. I am very happy to call Cyprus my home now.

How does the professional environment in Cyprus differ from that in Venezuela and Nigeria?

Unfortunately, my home country, Venezuela, has not been in good shape in the past few years, having been hit hard by political and financial crises. As such, the professional environment has not been ideal. Nigeria, where I worked for five years, was a very challenging environment which afforded many professional learning opportunities but I struggled as an expat. Cyprus offers a better work/life balance, a safer environment for families and equal opportunities for locals and expats alike.

How do you view the business environment in your particular industry?

The port industry has grown significantly over the past six years, despite the pandemic and regional political instability. Cyprus is seeing a high demand for services, leading to even more opportunities, and digitalization is helping increase the productivity and reliability of port operations. I believe that the industry will continue to grow in Cyprus, and we need to adapt to the needs and evolve with the market to help the country maintain its role as a maritime hub of the Eastern Mediterranean. I am grateful to be part of this transformation at DP World Limassol’s terminal.

How do you find working and living in Cyprus? How easily did you adapt to life here?

Living as a family in Cyprus is incredible. Venezuelans and Cypriots have a lot in common – I always say that I feel like I’m living in my country but driving on the opposite side of the road! Since my daughter was born here, I will be forever connected to Cyprus. However, adjusting to a new country is always challenging at first and it took us almost a year to get used to it. Working in Cyprus is challenging but exciting. The constant interaction with people of different nationalities and backgrounds and the ability to work on new projects make it an ideal location to live and work in.

• Country of origin: Venezuela
• Job Title: Operations & Planning Manager
• Company: DP World Limassol
• Office Location: Limassol Port
• Time in Cyprus: 3.5 years
• Other countries he has lived/worked in: Venezuela, Spain, Nigeria
• Favorite restaurant in Cyprus: Katoi Restaurant, Omodos
• Favorite bar in Cyprus: Woodman Sports Pub, Limassol
• Activities he enjoys in Cyprus: Water sports, hiking on nature trails, archaeological sites, villages, taverns

This interview first appeared in the March issue of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.