Xavier Fontanet

Biography

Xavier Fontanet, an engineering graduate of Ponts-et-Chaussées, holds a master in management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He started his career at  Boston Consulting Group, where he was consultant and Vice-President from 1973 to 1981. From 1981 to 1986, he was CEO of Chantiers Beneteau. In 1986, he joined the Wagons Lits, where he was Catering Director, and Managing Director of Eurest.

From 1992 to 2012, he was the CEO of Essilor Group.

Then, he created in 2013, the Fontanet Foundation under the aegis of HEC Paris. Its mission is to support actions in favor of teaching and research in business strategy, and promote the access to HEC Paris to promising students.

He is also the Administrator of Schneider Electric and Administrator of Carrefour Foundation.

Resume

Employment Date: 2012

Academic Appointments

Academic responsibilities at HEC

2012- Distinguished Affiliate Professor.

Research Areas

Xavier Fontanet, an engineering graduate of Ponts-et-Chaussées, holds a master in management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He started his career at  Boston Consulting Group, where he was consultant and Vice-President from 1973 to 1981. From 1981 to 1986, he was CEO of Chantiers Beneteau. In 1986, he joined the Wagons Lits, where he was Catering Director, and Managing Director of Eurest.

From 1992 to 2012, he was the CEO of Essilor Group.

Then, he created in 2013, the Fontanet Foundation under the aegis of HEC Paris. Its mission is to support actions in favor of teaching and research in business strategy, and promote the access to HEC Paris to promising students.

He is also the Administrator of Schneider Electric and Administrator of Carrefour Foundation.