Gérard Mestrallet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gérard Mestrallet
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| Born | 1 April 1949 |
| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | Sciences Po Toulouse, École Polytechnique, École nationale de l'aviation civile, ÉNA |
| Occupation | CEO of Engie (2008-2016) |
Gérard Mestrallet was born in Paris, France, on April 1, 1949. He is a French business leader. He used to be the chairman and CEO of a big energy company called Engie from 2008 to 2016. He also served as the chairman of Suez.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Gérard Mestrallet was born in Paris, France. He went to several important schools in France. These included Sciences Po Toulouse, the École Polytechnique, and the École nationale d'administration. These schools are known for training future leaders in government and business.
Career Journey
Starting in Government
After finishing his studies, Mestrallet began working for the French government. He joined the Treasury department. From 1982 to 1984, he was an advisor for industrial matters. He worked for the Minister of Economics and Finance at that time.
Working in Energy and Water
In 1984, Mestrallet started a new path in the energy sector. He became a special advisor for a company called Suez. He later became its Chairman and CEO in 2001.
He took on more important roles at Suez over the years. In 1986, he became a Deputy Delegate General for Industrial Affairs. In 1987, he was the General Director of an affiliate company. By 1991, he was a Deputy Director General, and then a Managing Director.
In 1995, Mestrallet became the head of Suez. He focused on three main areas: energy, water, and waste management. He helped Suez merge with another company called Lyonnaise des Eaux. This new company, Suez-Lyonnaise des Eaux, started in 1997. Mestrallet became the chairman of its executive board. Later, the group went back to its original name, Suez.
In 2008, Mestrallet was chosen to be the CEO of GDF Suez. This was a new European energy company formed by merging Gaz de France and Suez. He invested a lot of money to buy other companies around the world. He also planned to invest 10 billion euros each year from 2009 to 2011.
In 2012, the company's board allowed Mestrallet to stay in his role longer. This meant he could continue leading the company past the usual retirement age.
On May 3, 2016, Mestrallet stepped down as CEO due to age limits. He then became the chairman of the board of directors for the group. Isabelle Kocher took over as the new CEO.
A Discussion About Retirement Pay
In 2014, there was a discussion in the media about Mestrallet's retirement pay. This happened because GDF Suez had reported losses in 2013. In 2016, Engie announced that Mestrallet's salary as chairman would go to the Engie Foundation charity. He decided to do his work for free.
Later Career and Other Activities
Advising on Carbon Pricing
In 2016, the Minister of Ecology asked Mestrallet to lead a committee. This committee looked at how to price carbon emissions in Europe. They gave advice to the French government. The committee suggested that France should tax coal-fired power plants more. This would encourage a switch to gas-fired plants to reduce carbon emissions.
Developing Tourism in Saudi Arabia
In 2018, the President Emmanuel Macron appointed Mestrallet to a new role. He became the Executive Chairman of the French Agency for the Development of Al-ʿUla in Saudi Arabia. This agency works with Saudi Arabia to develop tourism and culture in that area.
Serving on Company Boards
Gérard Mestrallet has also been a member of the board of directors for several other companies. These include:
- Saudi Electricity Company (since 2018)
- Société Générale (since 2015)
- Suez Environnement (until 2019)
- Engie (2016-2018)
- Siemens (2013-2018)
- Electrabel (2010-2016)
- Saint-Gobain (1995-2015)
Non-Profit Work
He has also been involved with many non-profit organizations, such as:
- Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (Co-Chair since 2015)
- European Round Table of Industrialists (Member)
- France China Foundation (Member of Strategic Committee)
- Paris School of International Affairs (Member of Strategic Committee)
- President of the Mayor's Council of Chongqing (since 2006)
- Member of the Mayor's Council of Shanghai
- Mayor of Beijing's International Business Leaders Advisory Council (IBLAC) (Member)
- President of Paris Europlace (since 2003)
- President of Fondation Agir Contre l'Exclusion (FACE)
Awards and Personal Life
Gérard Mestrallet has received important honors in France. He is a Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. He is also a Knight of the National Order of Merit.
He is the son of Georges and Paule Mestrallet. He has two brothers, Michael and Patrick. He married Joëlle Emillienne Renée Arcens in 1974. They have three children.
