Petru Gorbanescu

1. Your background is quite diverse, spanning from Theology studies in high school to a career in Law and now working in Compliance. How has this unique journey shaped your approach to compliance and data protection in the environmental commodities space at STX?

My journey might seem unconventional, but each step has shaped where I am today. Studying Theology in high school taught me to reflect on ethics and the broader impact of our actions – essentially, to consider the “greater good”. Studying law gave me the tools to navigate complex regulations and formulate compelling arguments, but it also showed me that not every solution can be found in a textbook.
Now, working in compliance and data protection at STX, especially in the fast-paced world of environmental commodities, I combine those skills to bridge the gap between legal requirements and practical application. Creating compliant yet workable solutions often feels like trying to solve a complex riddle: staying ethical, logical and realistic at the same time.

2. Over the three years you’ve worked at STX, both the company and your team have seen significant growth. How have you adapted your approach to ensure compliance keeps pace with this expansion while fostering strong collaboration across departments?

The growth at STX has been both exciting and demanding. To ensure compliance keeps pace with our expansion, I’ve focused on building scalable processes that can evolve with us while staying practical for day-to-day operations. I’ve also embraced open communication and informal exchanges to simplify complex requirements, making it easier for everyone at STX to stay compliant without slowing down the business operations.

3. Drawing from your experience in Sales and various roles at STX, including KYC, Strategic Projects and now Compliance and Data Protection, how have these positions shaped your approach in your current role?

Working across these diverse roles has given me a deeper understanding of STX—its people, its processes and how everything is interconnected. Taking on the role of a “jack of all trades” has shown me that collaboration and integrity hold far more value than power plays or unproductive tensions. At the end of the day, the goal is to drive success in a way that aligns with our ethical principles.

4. You describe yourself as a “people’s person” who aims to be seen as a partner rather than a rule enforcer. Can you share an example of how this mindset has helped build trust within the organization?

I enjoy taking a pragmatic approach to my work, always aiming to add a touch of diplomacy to everything I do. I’m solution-oriented and firmly believe that unnecessary ‘no’s or roadblocks shouldn’t stand in the way of progress. Often, collaborative thinking and active listening naturally lead everyone to a shared conclusion. Creating an open forum for discussion is important to me, and I make it a priority to understand the other side’s perspective as well.

I genuinely enjoy working with people—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I always appreciate some banter, and if I have a question or an issue to resolve, I prefer to reach out directly, face-to-face. For me, nothing compares to personal interaction—it’s effective and it gives me energy.

I can’t point to a single defining moment because trust is built over time. Consistent reliability, empathy and honesty are what I’ve found to be the key to earning that trust.

5. In your role, you often have to say “No,” but you try to be accommodating. What advice would you give to someone new in Compliance about finding that balance between protecting the company and supporting its growth ambitions?

Even though my roles at STX include a lot of “Officer” titles, taking a policing approach cannot get you very far, you will only end up being avoided. It’s essential to adopt a practical mindset, ensuring people feel confident they will find an ally in you rather than a disciplinarian.

6. As one of STX’s Whistleblowing Officers, you also play a key role in maintaining a safe environment for raising concerns. In your view, what are the key factors in building a culture of openness and trust within the company?

The key is to foster a safe and supportive environment where people feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and handled discreetly. Clear communication also plays an important role too: ensuring that employees understand the processes in place and the protections available to them. Ultimately, trust is built through consistent actions, demonstrating that the company genuinely cares, listens and values transparency and ethical behavior.

7. As you step into your new role as Data Protection Officer, what role do you see personal data protection playing in supporting sustainability initiatives and driving transparency in the sector?

Nowadays, various environmental initiatives of governments encourage end-users/natural persons to adopt sustainable solutions. This presents significant opportunities for STX, but also places a responsibility on us to protect their personal data. In addition, ESG certifications (e.g. EcoVadis) require us to have robust controls in place, including in the data protection field. By strengthening our data protection framework, we not only enhance our own practices but also set a higher standard for the entire environmental commodities sector. This collective improvement fosters a more transparent, trustworthy and sustainable market.