January 2026: A leading light at FOST takes his leave

January 2026: A leading light at FOST takes his leave

January 2026 marks a watershed moment for FOST: Robert Leandri is retiring after 52 years of dedicated and passionate work.

After joining FOST in 1991, at the inception of the centre, Robert immediately brought his expertise as a naval firefighter and his hands-on field experience, both fundamental to making FOST what it is today.

Over the years, he became a leading light for our team. Our go-to on training, drilling and logistics, Robert has always shared his know-how with his much-admired gentle-natured approach and technical precision. His sound advice, demanding expectations and down-to-earth good sense will be long remembered by those fortunate enough to have work alongside him.

There are countless anecdotes illustrating his team spirit and availability, whether for a last-minute helping hand, a lively briefing or when his subtle humour lightened the load on the busiest of days. Ever dependable, both in the field and behind the scenes, Robert has demonstrated unwavering motivation throughout his 34 years with FOST.

A well-known and much respected figure in the “small world of spill response”, both across the Subsidiaries and with our partners and suppliers, TotalEnergies, CEDRE, CEPPOL, POLMAR, OSRL, BMPM, response equipment manufacturers..., over and above his technical skills, Robert leaves a legacy as a kind, loyal, reliable, generous colleague, who helped to forge FOST’s identity through three decades of missions, response operations, exercises and shared challenges. 

On behalf of the whole team, we offer him our heartfelt thanks for his exemplary commitment and professionalism.

We wish him every happiness in his well-earned retirement and trust that he knows he will always be welcome at FOST.

Thank you for everything, Robert!