GEMA IBAÑEZ RUIZ

Gema Ibáñez is an area manager at Playa Blanca and Corralejo and boasts a long career at Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea. Her role involves her in the operations of both branches and in the sales department. She is committed to customer service and is very proud to have developed her professional career within the company.

1. What has it been like to develop your professional career at Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea? How did you begin?

Developing my career at Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea has enabled me to grow professionally and has been a great source of personal satisfaction, becoming one of the foundations of my life. I began in 1995 on the Lanzarote-Fuerteventura line working purely on commercial shipping, as back then we only operated cargo. Over time and thanks to a lot of hard work and commitment, my career developed and I took on more responsibilities, until I got to where I am today, and I feel very proud.

2. What is it like managing two branches like Playa Blanca and Corralejo? Are there any particular differences between them?

It’s a great challenge that I have taken on with enthusiasm and responsibility. My objective is to ensure communication and synergy between both branches, as they are separated physically. To achieve this, it’s important to have standardised procedures. Despite the separation, thanks to the efforts and hard work of my colleagues at both branches, the work is done to a high quality with a primary focus on customer service. You could say that we are a little big family.

3. Throughout your career you must have faced many challenges. Which one do you believe has helped you grow the most professionally?

Over the last 28 years I have worked at the company, I have always felt very at home and have never encountered obstacles to my job, so this has enabled me to grow professionally. One of my challenges was to build a team with my frontline colleagues in which we all feel part of the project and are committed to our work.

4. What is your day-to-day life like?

My day begins with me checking in with my colleagues from both offices, reviewing the day’s schedule. As there are several responsibilities that I perform simultaneously, such as managing the counter staff, generating quotes, contacting customers, etc., it’s essential for me to organise myself so I can create a healthy work-life balance. Being an area manager requires great responsibility and full availability.

5. What do you most appreciate about working for Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea?

What I most appreciate about working for Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea is always being surrounded by a great team of colleagues, who have all taught me a lot. The company has also given me a great opportunity to work in a sector that I’m passionate about and I felt supported by everyone from the beginning.