Famous French CEOs

Evan Spiegel is a prominent French-American businessman known for co-founding and currently serving as the CEO of Snap Inc. He gained international recognition as the youngest billionaire in the world back in 2015. With a personal net worth of $2.7 billion as of March 2023, as reported by Forbes, Spiegel has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Snap Inc., overseeing its strategic direction and innovative developments within the technology and social media industry.

Carlos Ghosn is a prominent businessman and former automotive executive who has held high-ranking positions at various global companies. He has served as CEO of Michelin North America, chairman and CEO of Renault, chairman of AvtoVAZ, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and chairman of Mitsubishi Motors. Ghosn gained international attention for his dramatic escape from house arrest in Japan in 2019 while facing trial on financial misconduct charges during his time at Nissan. His career has been marked by leadership roles in the automotive industry.

Robert Louis-Dreyfus was a prominent French businessman known for his leadership roles as CEO of Adidas and Saatchi & Saatchi. He was also a majority shareholder of the French football team Marseille, overseeing their resurgence as a significant European club. Louis-Dreyfus played a pivotal role in the success and growth of these companies and the football team during his tenure. His strategic vision and business acumen helped propel these organizations to new heights in their respective industries.

Richard Mille is a co-founder of the Swiss luxury watch company established in 2001. He has played a crucial role in the brand's success, being involved in the design and production of high-priced and intricate timepieces. Known for pushing boundaries in watchmaking, Mille has faced criticism for the perceived extravagance of his creations. Despite this, his dedication to innovation and craftsmanship has garnered a loyal following among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

André Citroën was a French industrialist known for founding the Citroën automobile company. He revolutionized the automotive industry with innovative engineering techniques, such as the application of double helical gears. Citroën's commitment to technological advancements and mass production methods propelled his company to success, making Citroën a leading name in the automotive world. His contributions to the industry continue to influence car manufacturing processes and design concepts to this day, solidifying his legacy as a visionary in the field.

Henri de Castries is a prominent French businessman known for his leadership in the insurance industry. He served as the chairman and CEO of AXA, a leading multinational insurance firm, until his retirement in 2016. During his tenure, he guided the company through strategic initiatives and oversaw its growth and success in the global market. With a strong business acumen and visionary leadership, Henri de Castries made a significant impact on the insurance sector, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence.

Vincent Bolloré is a prominent French billionaire businessman known for his leadership in the investment group Bolloré. He served as the chairman and CEO of the company until his retirement in 2022. Throughout his career, Bolloré demonstrated a keen business acumen and strategic vision, leading the group to success. By September 2023, his net worth was estimated at US$8.6 billion, solidifying his position as a major figure in the business world.

Tidjane Thiam is a seasoned businessman with a background in management consulting and executive leadership roles in the banking and finance sector. He has held prominent positions such as CEO of Swiss bank Credit Suisse, CFO of British banking group Prudential, and executive roles at Aviva. Thiam's career also includes serving as a member of the International Olympic Committee and being appointed to the board of directors of the Kering Foundation. He is known for his expertise in finance, strategic management, and corporate governance.

Edward Miner Lamont Jr. is an American businessman and politician affiliated with the Democratic Party. He has served as the 89th governor of Connecticut since January 2019. Prior to his governorship, Lamont was a Greenwich selectman and a nominee for the United States Senate. He ran for governor in 2010 and 2018, winning the latter election. During his tenure as governor, Lamont has signed legislation legalizing cannabis, sports betting, and online gambling.

Michel Leclercq is a prominent French billionaire businessman known for his role as the founder and major shareholder of Decathlon, the world's largest sporting goods retailer with an extensive global presence. Under his leadership, Decathlon has expanded to over 1647 stores across 57 countries and regions as of January 2020. Leclercq's vision and strategic direction have been instrumental in the success and growth of Decathlon, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the sports retail industry.

Claudie Haigneré is a distinguished French professional with a background in medicine and politics. She made history as the first woman astronaut of both the French space agency CNES and the European space agency ESA. With her remarkable achievements, Haigneré has contributed significantly to the field of space exploration. Her career highlights include her missions to space, where she conducted research and experiments. Haigneré's dedication to advancing space exploration has solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the aerospace industry.

Pierre Nanterme was a prominent French business executive known for his leadership at Accenture. Serving as both chairman and CEO, he steered the global management consulting and professional services firm to new heights. Nanterme's strategic vision and strong management skills were instrumental in driving Accenture's growth and success during his tenure. Under his guidance, the company expanded its global presence and diversified its service offerings, solidifying its reputation as a leading player in the industry.

Marcel Bich was a prominent French manufacturer who co-founded Bic, a renowned company known for its production of ballpoint pens, lighters, and razors. Through his leadership, Bich played a pivotal role in establishing Bic as the leading global producer in these product categories. His innovative approach and dedication to quality contributed significantly to the company's success and solidified its reputation for producing reliable and affordable everyday essentials. Marcel Bich's professional legacy continues to be celebrated in the business world for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.

Marie Besnier Beauvalot is a French billionaire heiress known for her significant role as a major shareholder of Lactalis. She is actively involved in the family business, playing a crucial part in shaping the company's strategic decisions and overall direction. With a keen business acumen and a deep understanding of the dairy industry, Marie has contributed to the growth and success of Lactalis, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the global market. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving the company's continued prosperity.

Sue Nabi is an Algerian entrepreneur and innovator in the global beauty industry. She founded the vegan skincare line Orveda in 2017 after spending 20 years at L’Oreal, where she held the titles of President for Lancôme and L’Oréal. In July 2020, Nabi was appointed as the CEO of the American multinational beauty company Coty Inc. With her extensive experience and leadership roles in prominent beauty brands, Nabi continues to make significant contributions to the beauty industry through innovation and business acumen.

Jean-Pierre Garnier is a French businessman known for his leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. He served as the chief executive officer of GlaxoSmithKline, a prominent multinational pharmaceutical company. Garnier played a key role in steering the company through various challenges and overseeing its growth and strategic initiatives during his tenure. His contributions to the pharmaceutical sector have been widely recognized, and he is regarded as a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry.

Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber was a prominent French journalist and politician known for co-founding L'Express in 1953. He later became president of the Radical Party in 1971 and led its shift towards the center-right, renaming it Parti radical valoisien. In 1972, he attempted to establish the Reforming Movement with Christian Democrat Jean Lecanuet, supporting Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's conservative candidacy in the 1974 presidential election. Servan-Schreiber's professional life was marked by his influential roles in journalism and politics, shaping significant movements and alliances within the French political landscape.

Gérard Mulliez is a prominent French entrepreneur known for founding the Auchan chain of department stores. He has played a significant role in the retail industry, building Auchan into a successful and recognized brand. Mulliez's professional life is characterized by his innovative business strategies, commitment to customer satisfaction, and dedication to expanding Auchan's presence both nationally and internationally. His entrepreneurial vision and leadership have cemented his reputation as a key figure in the retail sector, shaping the company's growth and success.

Paul Ricard was a prominent French industrialist known for creating the eponymous pastis brand that later merged with Pernod to form Pernod Ricard. He was a successful entrepreneur who also made significant contributions as an environmentalist, developing two Mediterranean islands and establishing the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet. Ricard's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to environmental causes left a lasting impact on the business world and the natural environment, solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted professional.

Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière is the CEO of FIMALAC, formerly the majority owner of Fitch Group. He oversaw the divestment of the company's stake in Fitch Group between 2015 and 2018, selling it to Hearst Corporation. With a net worth of US$2.4 billion in 2016, he was ranked #722 on the Forbes list of the world's billionaires. His professional career is marked by his leadership in the financial sector and strategic business decisions that have contributed to his significant wealth and success.

Hubert Perrodo was a prominent figure in the business world as the founder and sole owner of the oil group Perenco. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills played a crucial role in establishing the company's success and solidifying its position in the industry. Additionally, he was known for his expertise in the field of oil and gas exploration, as well as his strategic vision that guided Perenco's growth and expansion. Perrodo's professional legacy is characterized by his contributions to the energy sector and his commitment to excellence in business.

Francis Kurkdjian is a renowned French perfumer and businessman known for creating iconic fragrances such as Le Male for Jean Paul Gaultier. With over 40 fragrances to his credit for major global brands, Kurkdjian has made a significant impact in the fragrance industry. He co-founded Maison Francis Kurkdjian, a niche brand that has gained recognition for its innovative scents. His outstanding contributions to perfumery were recognized with the prestigious Prix François Coty award in 2001, highlighting his exceptional talent and expertise in the field.

Clément Fayat was a French billionaire entrepreneur who founded Fayat Group at the age of 25. He began his career as a construction apprentice and later established the civil engineering company, which grew to become France's largest privately-held construction and civil engineering company. With over 21,000 employees in 170 countries, Fayat Group achieved significant success under his leadership. In 2020, Fayat, along with his sons, established the Fayat Foundation to further their philanthropic efforts. Fayat passed away in July 2022 at the age of 90.

Yves Carcelle was a prominent French businessman known for his leadership within the luxury fashion industry. He held the positions of chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, a subsidiary of LVMH, from 1990 to 2012. Carcelle initially joined Louis Vuitton as a strategic director in 1989 before rising through the ranks. Throughout his career, he played a significant role in shaping the brand's global presence and success. Carcelle's contributions to the fashion world were widely recognized, and he was a respected member of the LVMH executive committee until his passing in 2014.

Bernard Robert Louis Fraisse is a prominent French billionaire businessman known for his role as the chairman, founder, and sole owner of Fareva, a successful French pharmaceutical company. Under his leadership, Fareva has thrived, achieving annual revenues of $1.4 billion in 2015. With his strategic vision and business acumen, Bernard Fraisse has established himself as a significant figure in the pharmaceutical industry, guiding Fareva to considerable success and solidifying his reputation as a respected and influential business leader.

Gérard Mestrallet is a prominent French manager known for his leadership in the energy sector. He served as the chairman of the board of directors of Engie and as CEO from 2008 to 2016, overseeing significant strategic decisions and operations within the company. Additionally, he holds the position of chairman at Suez, further showcasing his expertise and influence in the industry. Mestrallet's professional career is characterized by his strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and ability to drive growth and innovation in the companies he has been associated with.

Jean-Marie Messier is a French businessman known for his leadership at Vivendi, a multinational media conglomerate. He served as chairman and chief executive until 2002, overseeing the company's transformation into Vivendi Universal. Messier is often referred to by the nicknames "J2M" and "J6M" based on his initials. During his tenure, he made significant strategic decisions that shaped Vivendi's direction in the global media industry. Messier's professional career is marked by his influential role in expanding Vivendi's reach and influence in the entertainment and communications sectors.

Jean-Luc Lagardère was a prominent French businessman known for his role as the CEO of the Lagardère Group, a leading French conglomerate. Throughout his professional life, Lagardère demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and business acumen, steering the company to great success and growth. Under his guidance, the Lagardère Group expanded its presence in various sectors, becoming a major player in the French business landscape. Lagardère's strategic vision and management abilities solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the business world.

Olivier Bouygues is the deputy CEO of the French company Bouygues and CEO of the family holding company SCDM. With a wealth of experience in the business world, he has played a key role in shaping the strategic direction and growth of the company. Olivier Bouygues is known for his strong leadership skills, innovative thinking, and ability to drive business success. He has successfully navigated challenges and opportunities in the construction and telecommunications industries, contributing significantly to the overall success of the Bouygues Group.

Claudius James Rich was a distinguished British Assyriologist, business agent, traveller, and antiquarian scholar. He began his career in the East India Company's service, showcasing exceptional linguistic skills. His work involved extensive travels to Egypt, Constantinople, Smyrna, and Baghdad, where he conducted groundbreaking investigations into the geography, history, and antiquities of the region. Rich's contributions included detailed accounts of Babylon and Nineveh, pioneering the Western understanding of Assyrian palace reliefs. His collections, now housed at the British Museum, were highly regarded for their manuscripts, coins, gems, and antiquities.