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 (born April 1, 1949) is a French business leader. He was the chairman and CEO of a big energy company called Engie from 2008 to 2016. He also leads Suez, a company that deals with water and waste.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Gérard Mestrallet was born in Paris, France, on April 1, 1949. He went to several important schools in France. These included Sciences Po Toulouse, the École Polytechnique, École nationale de l'aviation civile, and the École nationale d'administration. These schools helped him prepare for a career in government and business.
Career
Working for the Government
After finishing his studies, Mestrallet started working for the French Treasury. This is like the government's finance department. From 1982 to 1984, he was an advisor for industrial matters. He worked for the Minister of Economics and Finance, Jacques Delors.
Working in Energy and Environment
In 1984, Mestrallet began working for Suez, a large company. He became its Chairman and CEO in 2001. Suez focuses on important services like energy, water, and waste management.
In 1995, Mestrallet took charge of Suez. He helped Suez and another company, Lyonnaise des Eaux, join together. In 1997, they formed Suez-Lyonnaise des Eaux. Mestrallet became the chairman of its main board. Later, the group went back to its original name, Suez.
In July 2008, Mestrallet became the CEO of GDF Suez. This new company was formed by combining Gaz de France and Suez. It became a major European energy company. He invested a lot of money to buy other companies around the world. He also set a goal to invest 10 billion euros each year from 2009 to 2011.
In 2012, the board of directors for GDF Suez allowed Mestrallet to stay in his role longer. This meant he could continue leading the company. On May 3, 2016, Mestrallet left his CEO position due to age limits. He then became the chairman of the board of directors for the group. Isabelle Kocher took over as CEO.
Later Career
In 2016, the Minister of Ecology, Ségolène Royal, asked Mestrallet to lead a group. This group looked at how to price carbon emissions in Europe. They suggested that France should tax coal power plants more. This would encourage a move to gas-fired plants to reduce carbon pollution.
In 2018, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Mestrallet to lead a French agency. This agency helps develop tourism and culture in Al-ʿUla in Saudi Arabia. This is a partnership with the Saudi Kingdom.
Other Activities
Company Boards
Mestrallet has been a member of the board of directors for several companies. These include:
- Saudi Electricity Company (since 2018)
- Société Générale (since 2015)
- Suez Environnement (until 2019)
- Siemens (2013-2018)
- Saint-Gobain (1995-2015)
Non-profit Organizations
He is also involved with many non-profit groups, such as:
- Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (Co-Chair since 2015)
- European Round Table of Industrialists (Member)
- France China Foundation (Strategic Committee Member)
- Paris School of International Affairs (Strategic Committee Member)
- President of the Mayor's Council of Chongqing (since 2006)
- Member of the Mayor's Council of Shanghai
- President of Paris Europlace (since 2003)
- President of Fondation Agir Contre l'Exclusion (FACE)
Compensation
In 2012, Mestrallet's pay was about 3 million euros. In May 2016, Engie announced that his 350,000 euro chairman salary would go to the Engie foundation charity. He would do his new job for free.
Awards
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.
Personal Life
Gérard Mestrallet 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.
