Portrait of Laurent

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I began my career as an engineer and then as a research and development manager in composite materials. This technology, which was innovative at the time, opened doors for me in several sectors, including aeronautics, space, and motor sports. After eight years, I became production manager at a factory belonging to the same group. Then I joined Thuasne^® in 1998 as production manager in Saint-Étienne.

Can you tell us more about your history with Thuasne®?

Over the years, I have successively held the positions of Industrial Director, Site Director, and finally Chief Operations Officer on the Executive Committee. This latter role enabled me to oversee Thuasne^®'s industrial strategy on a global scale, as well as coordinate the purchasing, production, and supply chain departments. After 11 years in this position, I am preparing to leave Thuasne^® to retire. Yves Bonicel is now managing this area with great dedication.

What was the most important moment in your career?

Without hesitation, I would say that the decision to internationalize our industrial operations was a major turning point. The establishment of operations in the Czech Republic marked the first stage of this development. This was followed by the acquisition of a first plant in Romania, then by the construction of a second one on site. These projects then paved the way for new sites in Mexico and Tunisia, along with the industrial integration of companies in Germany and the USA. They have supported the Group's growth and enabled me to build a strong, reliable team of which I am very proud.

What was the biggest challenge for you?

The Masks project that we launched in 2006 from scratch. Not only have we developed an FFP2 mask that meets expectations, but we also designed the industrial machines needed to manufacture it. This has allowed us to deliver several million masks to the French state. It took a certain amount of madness to take on such a challenge. But with a strong and motivated team, you realize that you can really move mountains.

What personal memories do you have of your career?

One special moment was the first open day in Saint-Étienne. Seeing the commitment of the teams, the pride of the employees and sharing this moment with our families remains unforgettable. I remember the moment when my daughter, who was four years old at the time, spontaneously joined me on stage during my speech.

Any final thoughts?

My commitment to Thuasne® has always been guided by pleasure and conviction. I found a strong entrepreneurial culture and committed teams. Faced with an increasingly complex and uncertain international environment, I am confident in Thuasne^®'s ability to rise to the challenges and maintain this momentum. I would like to thank all those with whom I have worked and wish you every success