Teleperformance remains bullish on growth despite headwinds
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Teleperformance Founder and CEO Daniel Julien remains upbeat about the company’s growth prospects, despite challenging times marked by currency pressures, economic uncertainty, and hesitant clients.
In an exclusive interview with ANC, Julien said that while 2023 was a “difficult year all over the world,” with slower GDP forecasts, Teleperformance will still deliver around 6% revenue growth this year. It is also maintaining its target for a 16% EBITDA margin.
The customer experience giant continues to hire and expand, including plans to add 60,000 employees in India over the next two years. Julien also hinted at upcoming “nice surprises” in Indonesia.
Last November, Teleperformance finalized its $3 billion takeover of European rival Majorel, boosting its annual revenue to over $10 billion. Julien called the merger a “new springboard” to drive long-term growth.
The deal expands Teleperformance’s presence in Europe, especially France and Germany, and in high-growth verticals like social media, luxury, automotive, and travel.
It also brings seasoned leadership from Majorel, including former CEO Thomas Mackenbrock, who will aid integration efforts until his departure in May.
Julien expects the merger to generate over $100 million in initial cost and revenue synergies. He added that Teleperformance maintains financial flexibility post-deal, with leverage around 1.8x 2023 pro forma EBITDA.
Despite economic headwinds, Julien believes Teleperformance is well-positioned to keep “surfing the waves of change.”
“You just stay relevant by moving with the waves, surfing the waves, and piling each wave after the other, and at the end of the day, you build something bigger,” he stated.
Just recently, market research firm Frost & Sullivan recognized Teleperformance with the 2024 Indian Company of the Year Award for its customer experience outsourcing services.
