Bénédicte de Bonnechose is a name synonymous with leadership and transformation. Her career path, a fascinating blend of experience in the building materials industry and her current role as Executive Vice President at Michelin, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex industries. This profile dives…
Bénédicte de Bonnechose's Trailblazing Journey at Michelin

Bénédicte de Bonnechose is a name synonymous with leadership and transformation. Her career path, a fascinating blend of experience in the building materials industry and her current role as Executive Vice President at Michelin, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex industries. This profile dives into the remarkable journey of Bénédicte de Bonnechose, a woman who is reshaping the landscape of sustainable mobility at Michelin.

Early Strides: Building a Strong Foundation

Bénédicte’s story begins with a solid academic foundation. Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in econometrics and graduating from the prestigious ESC Rouen Business School (NEOMA), she embarked on her professional journey at Deloitte, a leading audit firm. These initial years honed her financial acumen and instilled a strong understanding of business operations, skills that would prove invaluable in her future endeavors.

In 1993, Bénédicte made a pivotal move, joining the Lafarge Group, a global leader in building materials. This marked the start of a 25-year odyssey within the company. She began by mastering various financial management roles, displaying a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach. Her talent was soon recognized, and she was entrusted with leadership positions in operations, proving her ability to translate financial insights into tangible operational excellence.

Leading the Charge: Championing Sustainability in Cement

Bénédicte’s rise through the ranks at Lafarge coincided with a period of significant transformation within the cement industry. The growing focus on environmental sustainability and the need to address climate change presented critical challenges. Bénédicte, ever the visionary leader, embraced these challenges head-on.

Her leadership extended beyond the walls of Lafarge. Recognized for her expertise and influence, she was elected President of the French cement association, Syndicat Français de l’Industrie Cimentière (SFIC), and professional association Filière Béton. In these roles, she played a pivotal role in guiding the French cement industry towards a more sustainable future. Her focus on energy transition and innovative solutions to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint made her a true champion of sustainable development.

A New Chapter: From Cement to Sustainable Mobility

In 2019, Bénédicte embarked on a bold new chapter, joining the Michelin Group as Deputy Chief Financial Officer. This move, seemingly a shift from building materials to tires, showcased Bénédicte’s adaptability and her keen eye for opportunity.

Michelin, a global leader in tire manufacturing, is also at the forefront of sustainable mobility solutions. Bénédicte’s experience in navigating complex industries and her unwavering commitment to sustainability made her a perfect fit for the company.

Steering the Course: Leading Michelin’s Long-Distance and Urban Transportation Business Lines

Since January 1, 2021, Bénédicte’s role at Michelin has further expanded. She was appointed Executive Vice President, Long-Distance Transportation and Urban Transportation Business Lines and the Europe Regions (Central, North, East, South). This promotion reflects the immense trust and confidence Michelin places in her leadership.

In her current role, Bénédicte is at the helm of some of Michelin’s most crucial business segments. The long-distance transportation sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. Urban transportation, too, is facing a paradigm shift with a growing focus on micromobility solutions and sustainable urban planning. Bénédicte’s extensive experience and strategic vision are perfectly poised to guide Michelin through these exciting yet challenging times.

A Passion for Innovation: Shaping the Future of Mobility

Bénédicte’s leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to innovation. She understands that the future of mobility lies in embracing technological advancements and developing sustainable solutions. Under her guidance, Michelin is actively investing in research and development to create next-generation tires and mobility solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the transportation landscape.

A Champion for Diversity and Inclusion

Beyond her strategic acumen, Bénédicte is also a champion for diversity and inclusion within the corporate world. She recognizes the importance of fostering a work environment that embraces a variety of perspectives and experiences. This commitment to diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it also fuels innovation and allows Michelin to tap into a wider talent pool.


Bénédicte de Bonnechose: A Role Model for Aspiring Leaders

Bénédicte de Bonnechose’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring leaders across industries. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, her ability to navigate complex challenges, and her unwavering focus on sustainability make her a true role model. As she continues to lead Michelin’s Long-Distance and Urban Transportation Business Lines, one can only expect her.