Trained engineer and scientist. Entire career devoted to the European space programme, holding positions within the French national scientific research agency CNRS, several French ministries, Novespace, Starsem and a first stint with Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), the French space agency. 2001, joined Arianespace; headed up the company until 2013. April 2013, appointed President, CNES. Vice-President: International Astronautical Federation (IAF); "Space Circle" in French think-tank CEPS (Centre d'Etude et de Prospective Stratégique). Member, International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). Chair, France-Japan business council of MEDEF International, the international arm of the French business confederation. Officer, Legion of Honour and National Order of Merit in France. Awarded the Order of Friendship, Russian Federation and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, by the government of Japan.