Robust and committed governance
The governance structure of the FORVIA Group comprises separate but complementary governance bodies at FORVIA SE and HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (“HELLA”) (together with FORVIA SE, the “Group”) with efficient decision-making processes within each governing body. This governance model allows the Group’s companies to work together effectively, while adhering to the governance principles required for HELLA and FORVIA SE.
FORVIA SE’s Board of Directors
An active and independent Board of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees FORVIA SE’s business, financial and economic strategies, and the implementation of these. Meeting at least four times a year, the Board of Directors of FORVIA SE consists of 14 members, two of whom are employee representatives.
Michel de ROSEN
Chairman of the Board
Mr. Michel de Rosen, of French nationality, is Chairman of the Board of Directors of FORVIA since May 30, 2017 and member of the Governance, Nominations and Sustainability Committee. He joined FORVIA’s Board of Directors on May 27, 2016 as an independent director.
He is a graduate of the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA).
Over the course of his career, he has successively held positions first as a senior public official and then as a senior executive at companies in France and the United States. He began his career at the Inspectorate General of Finance (IGF). He was an advisor to the French Minister of Defense between 1980 and 1981 and served as Chief of Staff for the French Minister for Industry and Telecommunications from 1986 to 1988.
Within the Rhône-Poulenc group, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Pharmuka from 1983 to 1986 and of Rhône Poulenc Fibres et Polymères from 1988 to 1993, after which he was Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rhône Poulenc Rorer in the United States and in France and of Rhône Poulenc Santé from 1993 to 1999. In 2000, Mr. Michel de Rosen was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the US company ViroPharma. He became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SGD in 2008.
In 2009, he joined Eutelsat and was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2009 and then as Chief Executive Officer and Board member on November 9 of the same year. From September 2013 to February 2016, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From March 1, 2016 to November 8, 2017, Mr. Michel de Rosen was the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
He is a graduate of the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA).
Over the course of his career, he has successively held positions first as a senior public official and then as a senior executive at companies in France and the United States. He began his career at the Inspectorate General of Finance (IGF). He was an advisor to the French Minister of Defense between 1980 and 1981 and served as Chief of Staff for the French Minister for Industry and Telecommunications from 1986 to 1988.
Within the Rhône-Poulenc group, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Pharmuka from 1983 to 1986 and of Rhône Poulenc Fibres et Polymères from 1988 to 1993, after which he was Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rhône Poulenc Rorer in the United States and in France and of Rhône Poulenc Santé from 1993 to 1999. In 2000, Mr. Michel de Rosen was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the US company ViroPharma. He became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SGD in 2008.
In 2009, he joined Eutelsat and was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2009 and then as Chief Executive Officer and Board member on November 9 of the same year. From September 2013 to February 2016, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From March 1, 2016 to November 8, 2017, Mr. Michel de Rosen was the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Patrick KOLLER
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Patrick Koller, of French and German nationality, is Chief Executive Officer of FORVIA since July 1, 2016. He is a Board member of FORVIA since May 30, 2017.
He graduated from the École Supérieure des Sciences et Technologies de l’Ingénieur de Nancy (ESSTIN) and Institut Français de Gestion.
He has held various management positions with several major manufacturing groups (Valeo, Rhodia).
In 2006, he joined the FORVIA group as Executive Vice-President of the FORVIA Automotive Seating Business Group (now FORVIA Seating), a position he held until February 2, 2015. During this period, he held various offices within the Group subsidiaries.
On February 2, 2015, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until June 30, 2016.
He graduated from the École Supérieure des Sciences et Technologies de l’Ingénieur de Nancy (ESSTIN) and Institut Français de Gestion.
He has held various management positions with several major manufacturing groups (Valeo, Rhodia).
In 2006, he joined the FORVIA group as Executive Vice-President of the FORVIA Automotive Seating Business Group (now FORVIA Seating), a position he held until February 2, 2015. During this period, he held various offices within the Group subsidiaries.
On February 2, 2015, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until June 30, 2016.
Daniel BERNARDINO
Board member representing employees
Mr. Daniel Bernardino, of Portuguese nationality, is a Board member representing the employees of FORVIA since November 1 st, 2017. He is also a member of the Compensation Committee.
He is a method agent in the logistics department at FORVIA’s Palmela site (Portugal).
He is a sociology graduate.
He joined the Group in 1994 as Head of the logistics team. He held various employee representation offices between 1997 and 2017 and has notably been a member of FORVIA’s European Works Council for 14 years.
He is a method agent in the logistics department at FORVIA’s Palmela site (Portugal).
He is a sociology graduate.
He joined the Group in 1994 as Head of the logistics team. He held various employee representation offices between 1997 and 2017 and has notably been a member of FORVIA’s European Works Council for 14 years.
Michael BOLLE
Board member
Dr. Michael Bolle is a companies Board member.
He started his career at Robert Bosch in 1992 as research engineer and was appointed as Department Head of the Corporate Research Department in 1997.
In 1999, he became an entrepreneur and was co-founder of the start-up Systemonic AG, which developed chips for mobile communications and sold it successfully few years later.
In 2003, he returned to Robert Bosch as General Manager of a joint venture with Denso called ADIT. In 2006, he was appointed head of the product division infotainment systems of Bosch Car Multimedia and in 2011 as Executive Vice President Engineering. In 2014, he was promoted to President of Bosch Group Research Organization, covering research activities for all different businesses within the Bosch group and in 2018 he became Member of the Board of Management and fulfilled the roles of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Officer until 2021.
Since January 2022, he is the Chairman of the Shareholder Council of Carl Zeiss Foundation, where he acts as a link between the foundation and the foundation's companies Carl Zeiss AG and Schott AG. He represents the economic interests of the Carl Zeiss Fondation towards the foundation companies and is simultaneously appointed as Chaiman of the Supervisory Board of both Schott AG and Carl Zeiss AG. He is also a Board member of Swissbit AG.
He received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University (Germany) in 1986 and earned a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from the Ruhr University Bochum (Germany) in 1992.
He started his career at Robert Bosch in 1992 as research engineer and was appointed as Department Head of the Corporate Research Department in 1997.
In 1999, he became an entrepreneur and was co-founder of the start-up Systemonic AG, which developed chips for mobile communications and sold it successfully few years later.
In 2003, he returned to Robert Bosch as General Manager of a joint venture with Denso called ADIT. In 2006, he was appointed head of the product division infotainment systems of Bosch Car Multimedia and in 2011 as Executive Vice President Engineering. In 2014, he was promoted to President of Bosch Group Research Organization, covering research activities for all different businesses within the Bosch group and in 2018 he became Member of the Board of Management and fulfilled the roles of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Officer until 2021.
Since January 2022, he is the Chairman of the Shareholder Council of Carl Zeiss Foundation, where he acts as a link between the foundation and the foundation's companies Carl Zeiss AG and Schott AG. He represents the economic interests of the Carl Zeiss Fondation towards the foundation companies and is simultaneously appointed as Chaiman of the Supervisory Board of both Schott AG and Carl Zeiss AG. He is also a Board member of Swissbit AG.
He received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University (Germany) in 1986 and earned a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from the Ruhr University Bochum (Germany) in 1992.
Christel BORIES
Board member - Chair and CEO of Eramet
After starting her career in strategy consulting, Christel BORIES joined Umicore, a Belgian company, and later moved to Pechiney Group where she served as the Director of Strategy and Transformation Programs. As a member of the Executive Committee, she took over the leadership of the Group's packaging activities.
For the past 25 years, Christel BORIES has held operational management positions, including divisional leadership roles at Alcan Group and Rio Tinto, and general management positions at Constellium, a global leader in aluminum transformation, and Ipsen. In 2017, she became the CEO of Eramet, an international group at the forefront of metal extraction and valorization, particularly for the energy transition.
For the past 25 years, Christel BORIES has held operational management positions, including divisional leadership roles at Alcan Group and Rio Tinto, and general management positions at Constellium, a global leader in aluminum transformation, and Ipsen. In 2017, she became the CEO of Eramet, an international group at the forefront of metal extraction and valorization, particularly for the energy transition.
Judy CURRAN
Head of Automotive Strategy of ANSYS
Judy Curran is responsible for the Automotive Strategy at ANSYS, including the go-to-market plans and the development of new simulation workflows aligned with latest automotive trends such as electrification, assisted driving and autonomy. Judy Curran served previously in a number of positions at Ford group from 1986 to 2018 (notably as Director of Technology Strategy from 2014 to 2018 where she notably developed the cross-vehicle global strategy for key new technologies including Assisted Driving, Infotainment, new Electrical Architectures, and Connectivity).
Judy Curran holds a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering/Computer Software from Lawrence Technological University (USA) and Masters of Science, Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan (USA).
Judy Curran holds a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering/Computer Software from Lawrence Technological University (USA) and Masters of Science, Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan (USA).
Esther GAIDE
Board member
Esther Gaide began her career in 1983 working in the external audit departments of PWC in Paris and London and Deloitte in Paris and Los Angeles. In 1994, she joined Bolloré group as Group Internal Audit Director where she set up the Internal Audit Department. Between 1996 and 2008, she successively held the position of CFO of the Bolloré Logistics Division, CFO of the Bolloré Africa Logistics Division and ultimately Group Director of Controlling, in charge of accounting, consolidation and control. In 2006, she joined Havas as Deputy CFO and HR Director. In 2011, she joined Technicolor as Group Director of Controlling, then was appointed deputy CFO before becoming CFO and member of the Executive Committee in 2015. From March 2018 to April 2023, she held the position of CFO of Elior Group.
She is also Board Member and Chairwoman of the Audit Committee of both Eutelsat SA and Illiad SA.
Esther Gaide is a graduate of ESSEC and a chartered accountant.
She is also Board Member and Chairwoman of the Audit Committee of both Eutelsat SA and Illiad SA.
Esther Gaide is a graduate of ESSEC and a chartered accountant.
Penelope HERSCHER
Board member
Ms. Penelope Herscher, of American nationality, is an independent Board member of FORVIA since May 30, 2017. She is also a member of the Governance, Nominations and Sustainability Committee.
She sits on the Board of Directors of Lumentum Operations LLC. (formerly JDSU) for which she is chairman of the board and chairs the nominations and governance committee. She also serves on the boards of two private companies: Delphix and Modern Health.
From 1996 to 2015 Ms. Herscher was CEO and Chair of two Silicon Valley technology companies: Simplex which she took public in 2001 and subsequently sold to Cadence Design Systems and FirstRain which she sold in 2017.
Ms. Penelope Herscher holds a BA Hons, MA in Mathematics from Cambridge University (England).
She sits on the Board of Directors of Lumentum Operations LLC. (formerly JDSU) for which she is chairman of the board and chairs the nominations and governance committee. She also serves on the boards of two private companies: Delphix and Modern Health.
From 1996 to 2015 Ms. Herscher was CEO and Chair of two Silicon Valley technology companies: Simplex which she took public in 2001 and subsequently sold to Cadence Design Systems and FirstRain which she sold in 2017.
Ms. Penelope Herscher holds a BA Hons, MA in Mathematics from Cambridge University (England).
Valérie LANDON
CEO France and Belgium, Credit Suisse
Mrs. Valérie Landon, of French nationality, is an independent Board member of FORVIA since October 12, 2017. She is also a member of the Audit Committee.
She is an engineering graduate of the École Centrale de Paris.
She began her career in 1985 at Air France. In 1990, she joined Credit Suisse as an investment banker. Over the years, she held various positions in different countries, in France, Japan and in the United States. Since 2021, she is CEO of Credit Suisse in France and Belgium.
She is an engineering graduate of the École Centrale de Paris.
She began her career in 1985 at Air France. In 1990, she joined Credit Suisse as an investment banker. Over the years, she held various positions in different countries, in France, Japan and in the United States. Since 2021, she is CEO of Credit Suisse in France and Belgium.
Jean-Bernard LÉVY
Board member
Jean-Bernard Lévy began his career at France Télécom in 1979 as a works engineer at the Angers Division.
In 1982, he became responsible for managing executive managers and HR budgets at head office, and then deputy to the head of the HR department. In 1986, he was appointed Technical Advisor to the office of Gérard Longuet, Minister for Postal Services and Telecommunications. From 1988 to 1993, Jean-Bernard Lévy managed the Telecommunications Satellites activity of Matra Espace, now Matra Marconi Space. From 1993 to 1994, he was the Chief of Staff to Gérard Longuet, Minister for Industry, Postal Services, Telecommunications and Foreign Trade. In 1995, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matra Communication. In 1998, he joined Oddo et Cie as Managing Director, then Managing Partner. In summer 2002, Jean-Bernard Lévy joined Vivendi. He served as its Chief Operating Officer until April 2005 and became Chairman of its Management Board and CEO in April 2005, until June 2012. From December 2012 to November 2014, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Thales defense and aerospace group. Jean-Bernard Lévy has been EDF’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since November 27, 2014.
Jean-Bernard Lévy is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and of Télécom Paris Tech.
In 1982, he became responsible for managing executive managers and HR budgets at head office, and then deputy to the head of the HR department. In 1986, he was appointed Technical Advisor to the office of Gérard Longuet, Minister for Postal Services and Telecommunications. From 1988 to 1993, Jean-Bernard Lévy managed the Telecommunications Satellites activity of Matra Espace, now Matra Marconi Space. From 1993 to 1994, he was the Chief of Staff to Gérard Longuet, Minister for Industry, Postal Services, Telecommunications and Foreign Trade. In 1995, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matra Communication. In 1998, he joined Oddo et Cie as Managing Director, then Managing Partner. In summer 2002, Jean-Bernard Lévy joined Vivendi. He served as its Chief Operating Officer until April 2005 and became Chairman of its Management Board and CEO in April 2005, until June 2012. From December 2012 to November 2014, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Thales defense and aerospace group. Jean-Bernard Lévy has been EDF’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since November 27, 2014.
Jean-Bernard Lévy is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and of Télécom Paris Tech.
Denis MERCIER
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Fives Group
Mr. Denis Mercier, of French nationality, is an independent Board member of FORVIA since May 28, 2019. He is also Chair of the Compensation Committee.
He is Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Fives Group, member of its Executive Committee and, since May 7, 2019, Chairman of the French Flying School Board (public institution).
He is an engineering graduate from the French Flying School (1979).
From 1979 to 2008, he holds various positions within the French Air Force.
After having been Commandant of the French Flying School at Salon de Provence (France) from 2008 to 2010, he becomes principal private secretary of the French Minister of Defense from 2010 to 2012.
Between 2012 and 2015, he holds the position of Chief of Staff of the French Air Force and is raised to the rank of General of the Air Force.
From 2015 to September 2018, he holds the position of Supreme Allied Commander of the NATO’s Transformation and joins Fives group in October 2018.
Mr. Denis Mercier was made Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur and Officier de l’Ordre national du Mérite by the French government.
He is Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Fives Group, member of its Executive Committee and, since May 7, 2019, Chairman of the French Flying School Board (public institution).
He is an engineering graduate from the French Flying School (1979).
From 1979 to 2008, he holds various positions within the French Air Force.
After having been Commandant of the French Flying School at Salon de Provence (France) from 2008 to 2010, he becomes principal private secretary of the French Minister of Defense from 2010 to 2012.
Between 2012 and 2015, he holds the position of Chief of Staff of the French Air Force and is raised to the rank of General of the Air Force.
From 2015 to September 2018, he holds the position of Supreme Allied Commander of the NATO’s Transformation and joins Fives group in October 2018.
Mr. Denis Mercier was made Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur and Officier de l’Ordre national du Mérite by the French government.
Nicolas PETER
Board member
Nicolas Peter worked for the BMW Group in various positions for more than three decades and was the chief financial officer and a member of the Board of Management from 2017 to May 2023. He has been chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt since 2020. Nicolas Peter serves also as a member of the German Government Commission for the German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC).
Robert PEUGEOT
Permanent representative of Peugeot 1810
Mr. Robert Peugeot, of French nationality, is permanent representative of Peugeot 1810 since May 31, 2021 (and was until that date a Board member of FORVIA since May 29, 2007). He is also a member of the Audit Committee.
He is Chairman of the Board of Peugeot Invest.
Robert Peugeot studied at the École Centrale de Paris and INSEAD. He has held various senior positions within the PSA Peugeot Citroën group, and was a member of the group Executive Committee from 1998 to 2007, holding the position of Vice-President, Innovation and Quality.
He was a permanent representative of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) on the Supervisory Board of Peugeot S.A., member of the Finance and Audit Committee and chair of the Strategy Committee until the completion of the merger between PSA and FCA and has become, since the merger, vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stellantis. Since February 2002, he has been Chairman and CEO of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) and has overseen its development. On May 19, 2020, he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and became Chairman of the Board of FFP (Peugeot Invest).
He is Chairman of the Board of Peugeot Invest.
Robert Peugeot studied at the École Centrale de Paris and INSEAD. He has held various senior positions within the PSA Peugeot Citroën group, and was a member of the group Executive Committee from 1998 to 2007, holding the position of Vice-President, Innovation and Quality.
He was a permanent representative of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) on the Supervisory Board of Peugeot S.A., member of the Finance and Audit Committee and chair of the Strategy Committee until the completion of the merger between PSA and FCA and has become, since the merger, vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stellantis. Since February 2002, he has been Chairman and CEO of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) and has overseen its development. On May 19, 2020, he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and became Chairman of the Board of FFP (Peugeot Invest).
Emmanuel PIOCHE
Board member representing employees
Mr. Emmanuel Pioche, of French nationality, is a Board member representing the employees of FORVIA since November 1, 2017. He is also a member of the Audit Committee.
He is Head of R&D Frames at FORVIA (Brières les Scellés site, France) since July 2017. Previously, he was a prototype maker in the R&D trimlab at the same site.
He holds the professional title of thin-sheet metal worker, holds an Aerospace TIG Heavy and Light Metal Welding License, obtained a G2 Baccalaureat (management), and a level III programmer analyst’s diploma.
He held multiple mandates of representation of the employees from 1999 to 2017 and has notably been Secretary of the Central Works Council of the company FORVIA Sièges d’Automobiles during ten years.
He is Head of R&D Frames at FORVIA (Brières les Scellés site, France) since July 2017. Previously, he was a prototype maker in the R&D trimlab at the same site.
He holds the professional title of thin-sheet metal worker, holds an Aerospace TIG Heavy and Light Metal Welding License, obtained a G2 Baccalaureat (management), and a level III programmer analyst’s diploma.
He held multiple mandates of representation of the employees from 1999 to 2017 and has notably been Secretary of the Central Works Council of the company FORVIA Sièges d’Automobiles during ten years.
A strong, international and expert management
Members of FORVIA SE and HELLA’s management hail from a wide range of backgrounds, contributing a range of diverse and complementary skills.
FORVIA SE’s executive functions are performed by an Executive Committee that meets at least once per month to review the Group’s results and discuss operations and strategy. Operating under the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the FORVIA SE Executive Committee is composed of the CEO and 11 Executive Vice Presidents from the Group’s international Business Groups and functional roles.
Patrick KOLLER
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Patrick Koller, of French and German nationality, is Chief Executive Officer of FORVIA since July 1, 2016. He is a Board member of FORVIA since May 30, 2017.
He graduated from the École Supérieure des Sciences et Technologies de l’Ingénieur de Nancy (ESSTIN) and Institut Français de Gestion.
He has held various management positions with several major manufacturing groups (Valeo, Rhodia).
In 2006, he joined the FORVIA group as Executive Vice-President of the FORVIA Automotive Seating Business Group (now FORVIA Seating), a position he held until February 2, 2015. During this period, he held various offices within the Group subsidiaries.
On February 2, 2015, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until June 30, 2016.
He graduated from the École Supérieure des Sciences et Technologies de l’Ingénieur de Nancy (ESSTIN) and Institut Français de Gestion.
He has held various management positions with several major manufacturing groups (Valeo, Rhodia).
In 2006, he joined the FORVIA group as Executive Vice-President of the FORVIA Automotive Seating Business Group (now FORVIA Seating), a position he held until February 2, 2015. During this period, he held various offices within the Group subsidiaries.
On February 2, 2015, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until June 30, 2016.
Martin FISCHER
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Martin Fischer is a global automotive industry leader with over 25 years of expertise and significant global experience. He holds dual citizenship from Germany and the United States and has lived in Germany, the USA and France.
Martin Fischer started his automotive career with Siemens VDO in 1998.
He joined HELLA in 2006, became President and CEO of the American Electronics business in 2007 and took this activity through significant business transformation.
In 2014, he joined BorgWarner and ran the turbo charger business in Europe and South America before being promoted to the propulsion supplier’s Strategy Board as President Transmission Systems.
In his last assignment from 2019 to 2024 as member of the Board of Management of the ZF Group, Martin Fischer drove profitable growth in four business divisions: Passive Safety, Active Safety, Chassis Systems and Electronics and ADAS while also overseeing the regions of North and South America and heading corporate Quality.
Martin Fischer started his automotive career with Siemens VDO in 1998.
He joined HELLA in 2006, became President and CEO of the American Electronics business in 2007 and took this activity through significant business transformation.
In 2014, he joined BorgWarner and ran the turbo charger business in Europe and South America before being promoted to the propulsion supplier’s Strategy Board as President Transmission Systems.
In his last assignment from 2019 to 2024 as member of the Board of Management of the ZF Group, Martin Fischer drove profitable growth in four business divisions: Passive Safety, Active Safety, Chassis Systems and Electronics and ADAS while also overseeing the regions of North and South America and heading corporate Quality.
Victoria CHANIAL
Executive Vice President, Group Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability
Victoria Chanial holds a Master's degree in Marketing & Media from ESCP-EAP and a double Master's degree in Philosophy and Political Science from ULB University (Brussels) and Panthéon-Sorbonne University (Paris).
She began her career as a Press Officer at the French Embassy in Italy, working for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for two years.
Victoria then spent 13 years at TotalEnergies. She dedicated eight years to press relations in France and abroad, including two years as Director of Media Relations. She also served as the Communications Director for the Refining & Chemicals division for two years.
For the past two years, Victoria has been a member of the Executive Committee at FORVIA. She leads the Communication, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Departments worldwide, driving initiatives that support the company's growth. With her teams, she is responsible for presenting and explaining FORVIA's strategic roadmap, enhancing the brand's value, and engaging stakeholders and employees in the company's journey towards a sustainable future.
She began her career as a Press Officer at the French Embassy in Italy, working for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for two years.
Victoria then spent 13 years at TotalEnergies. She dedicated eight years to press relations in France and abroad, including two years as Director of Media Relations. She also served as the Communications Director for the Refining & Chemicals division for two years.
For the past two years, Victoria has been a member of the Executive Committee at FORVIA. She leads the Communication, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Departments worldwide, driving initiatives that support the company's growth. With her teams, she is responsible for presenting and explaining FORVIA's strategic roadmap, enhancing the brand's value, and engaging stakeholders and employees in the company's journey towards a sustainable future.
Vincent COUSIN
Executive Vice President, Security, Cybersecurity, Risks & Crisis Management
Vincent Cousin was most recently Deputy to the French Defense & National Security General Secretary (SGDSN). Previously to this, Vincent had pursued his career within the French Air Force, becoming a 4-star General. In his last position, he was the Commander of the CDAOA (Air Defense and Air Operations Command).
Olivier DURAND
Executive Vice President, Group Chief Financial Officer
Olivier Durand began his career at the Adecco Group in 1993 in Singapore before joining Schneider Electric in China as a financial analyst from 1994 to 1997. He then worked for Alcatel, becoming Business Group Controller for its wireless activities from 2000 to 2004. That same year he became the China Chief Financial Officer for Alcatel-Lucent. Upon returning to France in 2008 he held the Group Controller position before becoming Alcatel-Lucent Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in 2016 in the context of the merger with Nokia.
He joined FORVIA in 2017 and was the Group Deputy Chief Financial Officer until 2021, before leading the Clarion Electronics activity as Executive Vice-President.
Olivier Durand holds a master’s degree in financial control and finance from HEC Paris.
Since September 2022, Olivier Durand is Executive Vice President, Group Chief Financial Officer.
He joined FORVIA in 2017 and was the Group Deputy Chief Financial Officer until 2021, before leading the Clarion Electronics activity as Executive Vice-President.
Olivier Durand holds a master’s degree in financial control and finance from HEC Paris.
Since September 2022, Olivier Durand is Executive Vice President, Group Chief Financial Officer.
Jill GREENE
Executive Vice President, Group General Counsel and Board Secretary
Jill Greene joined FORVIA in 2016 as General Counsel, North America, and served most recently as FORVIA’s General Counsel, Global Legal Regions where she led the regional counsel in each of FORVIA’s Europe, India and Americas operating regions.
Over her twenty-year legal career, she has held various legal management positions including Senior Associate General Counsel overseeing Corporate Securities, Mergers and Acquisitions for Transocean, Inc. (NYSE: RIG). Jill Greene began her legal career in private practice where she was an associate in the Corporate Securities Department at the law firm of Baker Botts in Houston, Texas.
Jill Greene holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Olaf College (Northfield, Minnesota) and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Denver (Denver, Colorado).
Over her twenty-year legal career, she has held various legal management positions including Senior Associate General Counsel overseeing Corporate Securities, Mergers and Acquisitions for Transocean, Inc. (NYSE: RIG). Jill Greene began her legal career in private practice where she was an associate in the Corporate Securities Department at the law firm of Baker Botts in Houston, Texas.
Jill Greene holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Olaf College (Northfield, Minnesota) and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Denver (Denver, Colorado).
Olivier LEFEBVRE
Executive Vice President, Group Industrial Operations & Clean Mobility
Oliver Lefebvre, 49, has gained an in-depth experience during 26 years at FORVIA, through a variety of key operational, business development, program management and regional leadership roles, including European Operations Director from 2006-2010, South America Division Vice-President 2014-2017 and Seat Structure Systems Senior Vice President within the Seating Business Group.
Olivier is a graduate of École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers.
Olivier is a graduate of École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers.
MA Chuan
Executive Vice President, China
MA Chuan joined the group in early 2009, where he served various management positions before being appointed President of FORVIA Seating China division, and then President of FORVIA China with responsibility for overall management and operations in the country. MA Chuan holds a Bachelor degree in Physics Application from Changchun Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (now Changchun University of Science and Technology).
Jean-Paul MICHEL
Executive Vice President, Interiors
Jean-Paul Michel began his career in 1986 at Michelin as a financial analyst. In 1989, he joined Renault. From 1991 to 2002, he worked for Valeo as Chief Financial Officer for different business units in Europe and North America. From 2002 to 2014, Jean-Paul Michel held different finance functions at OSRAM, becoming Chief Operating Officer for the consumer lighting business in 2014.
Prior to joining FORVIA in 2018 as Finance Vice-President for the Interiors activity and then EVP for the Clarion Electronics activity, he was Executive Vice-President in charge of Operations, Finance and Strategy at Lanzatech (2015-2017).
Jean-Paul Michel holds a diploma in Business administration at the Sup de Co Reims (NEOMA, France).
Prior to joining FORVIA in 2018 as Finance Vice-President for the Interiors activity and then EVP for the Clarion Electronics activity, he was Executive Vice-President in charge of Operations, Finance and Strategy at Lanzatech (2015-2017).
Jean-Paul Michel holds a diploma in Business administration at the Sup de Co Reims (NEOMA, France).
Thorsten MUSCHAL
Executive Vice President of North America and Group Sales & Program Management
Thorsten Muschal, of German nationality, is the Executive Vice President North America and Group Sales & Program Management at FORVIA. He graduated from the Universities of Giessen and Bielefeld as a "Diplom Kaufmann."
Thorsten began his career at Faurecia in 1992, taking on roles such as Assistant of the General Manager and Head of Plant Controlling in Stadthagen.
He later became responsible for the Volkswagen Group account and in addition for FORD and GM accounts in Europe.
From 2006 to 2011, he was Vice President of the North Europe Seating Division and later President of Faurecia Automotive Seating North America until 2014. After joining Faurecia's headquarters as Senior VP of Customer Strategy, he became EVP for Faurecia Exteriors in 2016.
Since 2017, he has been EVP of FORVIA Sales and Programs and a Board Member. He also holds leadership positions in various Faurecia entities and is Chairman of the Supervisory Board Faurecia Automotive GmbH in Germany and a member of HELLA’s Supervisory Board since 2021. Additionally, he was the President of CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers from 2020 to 2023.
Thorsten began his career at Faurecia in 1992, taking on roles such as Assistant of the General Manager and Head of Plant Controlling in Stadthagen.
He later became responsible for the Volkswagen Group account and in addition for FORD and GM accounts in Europe.
From 2006 to 2011, he was Vice President of the North Europe Seating Division and later President of Faurecia Automotive Seating North America until 2014. After joining Faurecia's headquarters as Senior VP of Customer Strategy, he became EVP for Faurecia Exteriors in 2016.
Since 2017, he has been EVP of FORVIA Sales and Programs and a Board Member. He also holds leadership positions in various Faurecia entities and is Chairman of the Supervisory Board Faurecia Automotive GmbH in Germany and a member of HELLA’s Supervisory Board since 2021. Additionally, he was the President of CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers from 2020 to 2023.
Christophe SCHMITT
Executive Vice President, Seating
Christophe SCHMITT has achieved significant milestones during his career, including early positions such as Managing Director at Sommer-Allibert UK and Industrial Director of Faurecia's Interior Systems. Joining Faurecia's Executive Committee in 2003 as EVP of Seating Components marked a pivotal moment, and since then, Christophe SCHMITT has overseen diverse responsibilities within Faurecia, managing the Interiors and Clean Mobility business groups before becoming Faurecia’s Chief Operations Officer in 2019.
With expertise in operations and business management within the automotive industry, Christophe SCHMITT now brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to drive success in the dynamic and challenging environment of the Seating business group.
Christophe SCHMITT holds degrees in Economics and Commercial Management, as well as Business Management from École Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (ESSEC).
With expertise in operations and business management within the automotive industry, Christophe SCHMITT now brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to drive success in the dynamic and challenging environment of the Seating business group.
Christophe SCHMITT holds degrees in Economics and Commercial Management, as well as Business Management from École Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (ESSEC).
Jean-Pierre SOUNILLAC
Executive Vice President, Group Chief Human Resources Officer
Jean-Pierre Sounillac, currently Executive Vice President, Group Human Resources at FORVIA, has had a distinguished career in HR leadership spanning several decades. He began his career at Schlumberger, then worked for Valeo as HR Director for Friction Materials Branch for 4 years.
Since joining Faurecia in 2001, Jean-Pierre Sounillac has held several key positions. As HR Vice President for Faurecia Exhaust Systems first, then HR Vice President for Faurecia Components in 2003.
In 2004, Jean-Pierre Sounillac became Chief Human Resources Officer at FORVIA, where he has played a crucial role in the company’s growth and globalization. His responsibilities include leading the HR function to support management, developing talent, managing industrial and social redeployment and optimizing HR efficiency. Jean-Pierre's leadership has been instrumental in supporting FORVIA's transformation and integration of new activities, positioning the company to navigate the complexities of today's business environment.
Since joining Faurecia in 2001, Jean-Pierre Sounillac has held several key positions. As HR Vice President for Faurecia Exhaust Systems first, then HR Vice President for Faurecia Components in 2003.
In 2004, Jean-Pierre Sounillac became Chief Human Resources Officer at FORVIA, where he has played a crucial role in the company’s growth and globalization. His responsibilities include leading the HR function to support management, developing talent, managing industrial and social redeployment and optimizing HR efficiency. Jean-Pierre's leadership has been instrumental in supporting FORVIA's transformation and integration of new activities, positioning the company to navigate the complexities of today's business environment.
François TARDIF
Executive Vice President, Asia Business Region & Faurecia Clarion Electronics
Francois TARDIF has dedicated over three decades to the automotive industry, beginning his career in 1985 after graduating from the Ecole Supérieure d’Électricité (Supélec) in Paris. He further honed his expertise with an MBA from the Institut Français de Gestion. His journey in the sector started at Valeo (Electronics and Climate Control activities), followed by Autoliv (Electronics activities) starting in 2002. His career trajectory took him to OP Mobility in 2007, where he served until 2012.
That year marked his entry into Faurecia, where he initially took on the role of VP of Mechanisms Division for Faurecia Automotive Seating, and then moved to the position of Europe Seating Division VP. In 2018, he ascended to the role of EVP Faurecia China, and subsequently in 2022, to the role of EVP Faurecia Asia and Faurecia Clarion Electronics. His vast experience encompasses a variety of leadership positions across the US, Sweden, Germany, France, and Asia, with a particular focus on the Chinese business region.
That year marked his entry into Faurecia, where he initially took on the role of VP of Mechanisms Division for Faurecia Automotive Seating, and then moved to the position of Europe Seating Division VP. In 2018, he ascended to the role of EVP Faurecia China, and subsequently in 2022, to the role of EVP Faurecia Asia and Faurecia Clarion Electronics. His vast experience encompasses a variety of leadership positions across the US, Sweden, Germany, France, and Asia, with a particular focus on the Chinese business region.
A multi-layered governance structure
The HELLA Management Board oversees the strategic and operational management of the HELLA Group.
Bernard SCHÄFERBARTHOLD
CEO
Bernard Schäferbarthold has been a member of the Management Board responsible for HELLA’s Finance and Controlling corporate function since November 2016.
Bernard Schäferbarthold has a long and extensive track record in finance, controlling, tax, IT and operations. He was previously CFO at Nordex SE as well as auditor and tax consultant for the auditing and tax advisory firm Warth & Klein.
Bernard Schäferbarthold has a long and extensive track record in finance, controlling, tax, IT and operations. He was previously CFO at Nordex SE as well as auditor and tax consultant for the auditing and tax advisory firm Warth & Klein.
Yves ANDRES
Managing Director Lighting
Member of the HELLA Management Board since 15 April 2022.
Previously with Faurecia (since 2007), most recently responsible for the Clean Mobility Business Group.
Management positions in finance, manufacturing, sales, programme management and general management.
Previously with Faurecia (since 2007), most recently responsible for the Clean Mobility Business Group.
Management positions in finance, manufacturing, sales, programme management and general management.
Stefanie RHEKER
Managing Director Human Resources
Member of the HELLA Management Board since 1 March 2024 and responsible for global HR management.
Many years of experience and leadership qualities in HR, most recently as Chief Human Resources Officer at Avarto.
Many years of experience and leadership qualities in HR, most recently as Chief Human Resources Officer at Avarto.
Stefan VAN DALEN
Managing Director Lifecycle Solutions
With HELLA since 2016.
Previously member of the Executive Board of the Business Group Lifecycle Solutions and head of the international spare parts and workshop business as Executive Manager.
Before HELLA, various management positions in supply chain management at Robert Bosch.
Previously member of the Executive Board of the Business Group Lifecycle Solutions and head of the international spare parts and workshop business as Executive Manager.
Before HELLA, various management positions in supply chain management at Robert Bosch.
Philippe VIENNEY
CFO
Member of the HELLA Management Board as Chief Financial Officer since 1 March 2024.
Has held various management positions in Finance & Controlling within the FORVIA Group for 25 years, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of the Clean Mobility Business Group.
Has held various management positions in Finance & Controlling within the FORVIA Group for 25 years, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of the Clean Mobility Business Group.
Jörg WEISGERBER
Managing Director Electronics
With HELLA since 2016. As of 1 April 2023 Member of FORVIA HELLA Management Board and therein responsible the Business Group Electronics. Previously, he was responsible for the electronics business in North and South America. Before HELLA, he held various management positions at IEE S.A., an international sensor specialist.
HELLA’s Shareholder Committee
The Shareholder Committee consists of four members nominated by the majority shareholders of FORVIA SE (Executive Committee members of FORVIA SE) and three independent members. The Shareholder Committee is the decision-making body of HELLA. Together with the Supervisory Board, the Shareholder Committee advises the Management Board and decides on certain measures requiring approval. This multi-layered governance structure ensures compliance with German corporate law requirements and strong governance principles.
HELLA’s Supervisory Board
The HELLA Supervisory Board is composed of 16 members, five of whom are nominated by FORVIA SE. Together with the Shareholder Committee, it advises and supervises the Management Board, and oversees the delivery of certain required actions under the German Factual Group structure, such as the preparation and review of HELLA’s Dependency Report.
Three permanent committees
Three committees have a role of preparing specific deliberations of the Board of Directors. They issue proposals, recommendations and advice in their area of expertise.
Governance, Nominations and Sustainability Committee
The Governance, Nominations and Sustainability Committee deals with issues relating to the composition and operation of the Board of Directors and its Committees. More generally, the Committee assesses the Company’s governance structure and handles the selection and succession process for the Chairman of the Board, the members of the general management and the Board members. It conducts the governance’s assessment process (assessment of Board and Committees’ work, examination of Board members’ independence) and it annually reviews the selection and succession plans of the members of the Executive Committee. The Committee is also in charge of assessing the policy followed by the Company in ethics and compliance as regards good governance practice and reviewing social and environmental responsibility matters.
This Committee comprises four members, (of which three members, including the Chair, are independent).
Jean-Bernard LÉVY
Chair of the Governance, Nominations and Sustainability Committee
Jean-Bernard Lévy began his career at France Télécom in 1979 as a works engineer at the Angers Division.
In 1982, he became responsible for managing executive managers and HR budgets at head office, and then deputy to the head of the HR department.
In 1986, he was appointed Technical Advisor to the office of Gérard Longuet, Minister for Postal Services and Telecommunications.
From 1988 to 1993, Jean-Bernard Lévy managed the Telecommunications Satellites activity of Matra Espace, now Matra Marconi Space.
From 1993 to 1994, he was the Chief of Staff to Gérard Longuet, Minister for Industry, Postal Services, Telecommunications and Foreign Trade.
In 1995, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matra Communication.
In 1998, he joined Oddo et Cie as Managing Director, then Managing Partner.
In summer 2002, Jean-Bernard Lévy joined Vivendi. He served as its Chief Operating Officer until April 2005 and became Chairman of its Management Board and CEO in April 2005, until June 2012.
From December 2012 to November 2014, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Thales defense and aerospace group. Jean-Bernard Lévy has been EDF’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since November 27, 2014.
Jean-Bernard Lévy is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and of Télécom Paris Tech.
In 1982, he became responsible for managing executive managers and HR budgets at head office, and then deputy to the head of the HR department.
In 1986, he was appointed Technical Advisor to the office of Gérard Longuet, Minister for Postal Services and Telecommunications.
From 1988 to 1993, Jean-Bernard Lévy managed the Telecommunications Satellites activity of Matra Espace, now Matra Marconi Space.
From 1993 to 1994, he was the Chief of Staff to Gérard Longuet, Minister for Industry, Postal Services, Telecommunications and Foreign Trade.
In 1995, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matra Communication.
In 1998, he joined Oddo et Cie as Managing Director, then Managing Partner.
In summer 2002, Jean-Bernard Lévy joined Vivendi. He served as its Chief Operating Officer until April 2005 and became Chairman of its Management Board and CEO in April 2005, until June 2012.
From December 2012 to November 2014, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Thales defense and aerospace group. Jean-Bernard Lévy has been EDF’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since November 27, 2014.
Jean-Bernard Lévy is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and of Télécom Paris Tech.
Michel de ROSEN
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mr. Michel de Rosen, of French nationality, is Chairman of the Board of Directors of FORVIA since May 30, 2017 and member of the Governance, Nominations and Sustainability Committee. He joined FORVIA’s Board of Directors on May 27, 2016 as an independent director.
He is a graduate of the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA).
Over the course of his career, he has successively held positions first as a senior public official and then as a senior executive at companies in France and the United States. He began his career at the Inspectorate General of Finance (IGF). He was an advisor to the French Minister of Defense between 1980 and 1981 and served as Chief of Staff for the French Minister for Industry and Telecommunications from 1986 to 1988.
Within the Rhône-Poulenc group, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Pharmuka from 1983 to 1986 and of Rhône Poulenc Fibres et Polymères from 1988 to 1993, after which he was Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rhône Poulenc Rorer in the United States and in France and of Rhône Poulenc Santé from 1993 to 1999. In 2000, Mr. Michel de Rosen was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the US company ViroPharma. He became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SGD in 2008.
In 2009, he joined Eutelsat and was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2009 and then as Chief Executive Officer and Board member on November 9 of the same year. From September 2013 to February 2016, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From March 1, 2016 to November 8, 2017, Mr. Michel de Rosen was the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
He is a graduate of the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA).
Over the course of his career, he has successively held positions first as a senior public official and then as a senior executive at companies in France and the United States. He began his career at the Inspectorate General of Finance (IGF). He was an advisor to the French Minister of Defense between 1980 and 1981 and served as Chief of Staff for the French Minister for Industry and Telecommunications from 1986 to 1988.
Within the Rhône-Poulenc group, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Pharmuka from 1983 to 1986 and of Rhône Poulenc Fibres et Polymères from 1988 to 1993, after which he was Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rhône Poulenc Rorer in the United States and in France and of Rhône Poulenc Santé from 1993 to 1999. In 2000, Mr. Michel de Rosen was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the US company ViroPharma. He became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SGD in 2008.
In 2009, he joined Eutelsat and was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2009 and then as Chief Executive Officer and Board member on November 9 of the same year. From September 2013 to February 2016, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From March 1, 2016 to November 8, 2017, Mr. Michel de Rosen was the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Penelope HERSCHER
Board member
Ms. Penelope Herscher, of American nationality, is an independent Board member of FORVIA since May 30, 2017. She is also a member of the Governance, Nominations and Sustainability Committee.
She sits on the Board of Directors of Lumentum Operations LLC (formerly JDSU) for which she is chairman of the board and chairs the nominations and governance committee. She also serves on the boards of two private companies: Delphix and Modern Health.
From 1996 to 2015, Ms. Herscher was CEO and Chair of two Silicon Valley technology companies: Simplex, which she took public in 2001 and subsequently sold to Cadence Design Systems, and FirstRain, which she sold in 2017.
Ms. Penelope Herscher holds a BA Hons, MA in Mathematics from Cambridge University (England).
She sits on the Board of Directors of Lumentum Operations LLC (formerly JDSU) for which she is chairman of the board and chairs the nominations and governance committee. She also serves on the boards of two private companies: Delphix and Modern Health.
From 1996 to 2015, Ms. Herscher was CEO and Chair of two Silicon Valley technology companies: Simplex, which she took public in 2001 and subsequently sold to Cadence Design Systems, and FirstRain, which she sold in 2017.
Ms. Penelope Herscher holds a BA Hons, MA in Mathematics from Cambridge University (England).
Robert Peugeot
Permanent representative of Peugeot 1810
Mr. Robert Peugeot, of French nationality, is permanent representative of Peugeot 1810 since May 31, 2021 (and was until that date a Board member of FORVIA since May 29, 2007). He is also a member of the Audit Committee.
He is Chairman of the Board of Peugeot Invest.
Robert Peugeot studied at the École Centrale de Paris and INSEAD. He has held various senior positions within the PSA Peugeot Citroën group, and was a member of the group Executive Committee from 1998 to 2007, holding the position of Vice-President, Innovation and Quality.
He was a permanent representative of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) on the Supervisory Board of Peugeot S.A., member of the Finance and Audit Committee and chair of the Strategy Committee until the completion of the merger between PSA and FCA and has become, since the merger, vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stellantis. Since February 2002, he has been Chairman and CEO of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) and has overseen its development. On May 19, 2020, he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and became Chairman of the Board of FFP (Peugeot Invest).
He is Chairman of the Board of Peugeot Invest.
Robert Peugeot studied at the École Centrale de Paris and INSEAD. He has held various senior positions within the PSA Peugeot Citroën group, and was a member of the group Executive Committee from 1998 to 2007, holding the position of Vice-President, Innovation and Quality.
He was a permanent representative of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) on the Supervisory Board of Peugeot S.A., member of the Finance and Audit Committee and chair of the Strategy Committee until the completion of the merger between PSA and FCA and has become, since the merger, vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stellantis. Since February 2002, he has been Chairman and CEO of FFP (now Peugeot Invest) and has overseen its development. On May 19, 2020, he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and became Chairman of the Board of FFP (Peugeot Invest).
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee deals with issues relating to the compensation of the Chairman of the Board, members of the general management and Board members. More generally, the Committee deals with issues associated with long term incentive plans policy. It is also informed of the performance and the compensation of the Executive Committee and reviews the evolution of the compensation policy applicable to the Group main managers (Executive Committee, Group Leadership Committee).
This Committee comprises four members, (of which three members, including the Chair, are independent
Denis MERCIER
Chair of the Compensation Committee - Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Fives Group, member of its Executive Committee
Mr. Denis Mercier, of French nationality, is an independent Board member of FORVIA since May 28, 2019. He is also Chair of the Compensation Committee.
He is Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Fives Group, member of its Executive Committee and, since May 7, 2019, Chairman of the French Flying School Board (public institution).
He is an engineering graduate from the French Flying School (1979).
From 1979 to 2008, he held various positions within the French Air Force.
After having been Commandant of the French Flying School at Salon de Provence (France) from 2008 to 2010, he became principal private secretary of the French Minister of Defense from 2010 to 2012.
Between 2012 and 2015, he held the position of Chief of Staff of the French Air Force and was raised to the rank of General of the Air Force.
From 2015 to September 2018, he held the position of Supreme Allied Commander of the NATO’s Transformation and joined Fives group in October 2018.
Mr. Denis Mercier was made Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur and Officier de l’Ordre national du Mérite by the French government.
He is Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Fives Group, member of its Executive Committee and, since May 7, 2019, Chairman of the French Flying School Board (public institution).
He is an engineering graduate from the French Flying School (1979).
From 1979 to 2008, he held various positions within the French Air Force.
After having been Commandant of the French Flying School at Salon de Provence (France) from 2008 to 2010, he became principal private secretary of the French Minister of Defense from 2010 to 2012.
Between 2012 and 2015, he held the position of Chief of Staff of the French Air Force and was raised to the rank of General of the Air Force.
From 2015 to September 2018, he held the position of Supreme Allied Commander of the NATO’s Transformation and joined Fives group in October 2018.
Mr. Denis Mercier was made Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur and Officier de l’Ordre national du Mérite by the French government.
Daniel BERNARDINO
Board member representing employees
Mr. Daniel Bernardino, of Portuguese nationality, is a Board member representing the employees of FORVIA since November 1st, 2017. He is also a member of the Compensation Committee.
He is a method agent in the logistics department at FORVIA’s Palmela site (Portugal).
He is a sociology graduate.
He joined the Group in 1994 as Head of the logistics team. He held various employee representation offices between 1997 and 2017 and has notably been a member of FORVIA’s European Works Council for 14 years.
He is a method agent in the logistics department at FORVIA’s Palmela site (Portugal).
He is a sociology graduate.
He joined the Group in 1994 as Head of the logistics team. He held various employee representation offices between 1997 and 2017 and has notably been a member of FORVIA’s European Works Council for 14 years.
Michael BOLLE
Board member
Dr. Michael Bolle is a companies Board member.
He started his career at Robert Bosch in 1992 as research engineer and was appointed as Department Head of the Corporate Research Department in 1997.
In 1999, he became an entrepreneur and was co-founder of the start-up Systemonic AG, which developed chips for mobile communications and sold it successfully few years later.
In 2003, he returned to Robert Bosch as General Manager of a joint venture with Denso called ADIT.
In 2006, he was appointed head of the product division infotainment systems of Bosch Car Multimedia and in 2011 as Executive Vice President Engineering. In 2014, he was promoted to President of Bosch Group Research Organization, covering research activities for all different businesses within the Bosch group and in 2018 he became Member of the Board of Management and fulfilled the roles of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Officer until 2021.
Since January 2022, he is the Chairman of the Shareholder Council of Carl Zeiss Foundation, where he acts as a link between the foundation and the foundation's companies Carl Zeiss AG and Schott AG. He represents the economic interests of the Carl Zeiss Fondation towards the foundation companies and is simultaneously appointed as Chaiman of the Supervisory Board of both Schott AG and Carl Zeiss AG. He is also a Board member of Swissbit AG.
He received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University (Germany) in 1986 and earned a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from the Ruhr University Bochum (Germany) in 1992.
He started his career at Robert Bosch in 1992 as research engineer and was appointed as Department Head of the Corporate Research Department in 1997.
In 1999, he became an entrepreneur and was co-founder of the start-up Systemonic AG, which developed chips for mobile communications and sold it successfully few years later.
In 2003, he returned to Robert Bosch as General Manager of a joint venture with Denso called ADIT.
In 2006, he was appointed head of the product division infotainment systems of Bosch Car Multimedia and in 2011 as Executive Vice President Engineering. In 2014, he was promoted to President of Bosch Group Research Organization, covering research activities for all different businesses within the Bosch group and in 2018 he became Member of the Board of Management and fulfilled the roles of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Officer until 2021.
Since January 2022, he is the Chairman of the Shareholder Council of Carl Zeiss Foundation, where he acts as a link between the foundation and the foundation's companies Carl Zeiss AG and Schott AG. He represents the economic interests of the Carl Zeiss Fondation towards the foundation companies and is simultaneously appointed as Chaiman of the Supervisory Board of both Schott AG and Carl Zeiss AG. He is also a Board member of Swissbit AG.
He received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University (Germany) in 1986 and earned a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from the Ruhr University Bochum (Germany) in 1992.
Christel BORIES
Board member - Chair and CEO of Eramet
After starting her career in strategy consulting, Christel BORIES joined Umicore, a Belgian company, and later moved to Pechiney Group where she served as the Director of Strategy and Transformation Programs. As a member of the Executive Committee, she took over the leadership of the Group's packaging activities.
For the past 25 years, Christel BORIES has held operational management positions, including divisional leadership roles at Alcan Group and Rio Tinto, and general management positions at Constellium, a global leader in aluminum transformation, and Ipsen. In 2017, she became the CEO of Eramet, an international group at the forefront of metal extraction and valorization, particularly for the energy transition.
For the past 25 years, Christel BORIES has held operational management positions, including divisional leadership roles at Alcan Group and Rio Tinto, and general management positions at Constellium, a global leader in aluminum transformation, and Ipsen. In 2017, she became the CEO of Eramet, an international group at the forefront of metal extraction and valorization, particularly for the energy transition.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has the primary role of reviewing the approval process for the corporate and consolidated financial statements as well as the process of preparing financial information. It liaises with the statutory auditors, selecting them, verifying their independence, and following risk management and internal control processes. It also reviews the budget, its execution and, more generally, the Group’s financial situation.
This Committee comprises five members, (of which four members, including the Chair, are independent).
Esther GAIDE
Chair of the Audit Committee - Board member
Esther Gaide began her career in 1983 working in the external audit departments of PWC in Paris and London and Deloitte in Paris and Los Angeles.
In 1994, she joined Bolloré group as Group Internal Audit Director where she set up the Internal Audit Department.
Between 1996 and 2008, she successively held the position of CFO of the Bolloré Logistics Division, CFO of the Bolloré Africa Logistics Division and ultimately Group Director of Controlling, in charge of accounting, consolidation and control.
In 2006, she joined Havas as Deputy CFO and HR Director. In 2011, she joined Technicolor as Group Director of Controlling, then was appointed deputy CFO before becoming CFO and member of the Executive Committee in 2015. From March 2018 to April 2023, she held the position of CFO of Elior Group.
She is also Board Member and Chairwoman of the Audit Committee of both Eutelsat SA and Illiad SA.
Esther Gaide is a graduate of ESSEC and a chartered accountant.
In 1994, she joined Bolloré group as Group Internal Audit Director where she set up the Internal Audit Department.
Between 1996 and 2008, she successively held the position of CFO of the Bolloré Logistics Division, CFO of the Bolloré Africa Logistics Division and ultimately Group Director of Controlling, in charge of accounting, consolidation and control.
In 2006, she joined Havas as Deputy CFO and HR Director. In 2011, she joined Technicolor as Group Director of Controlling, then was appointed deputy CFO before becoming CFO and member of the Executive Committee in 2015. From March 2018 to April 2023, she held the position of CFO of Elior Group.
She is also Board Member and Chairwoman of the Audit Committee of both Eutelsat SA and Illiad SA.
Esther Gaide is a graduate of ESSEC and a chartered accountant.
Judy CURRAN
Head of Automotive Strategy of ANSYS
Judy Curran is responsible for the Automotive Strategy at ANSYS, including the go-to-market plans and the development of new simulation workflows aligned with latest automotive trends such as electrification, assisted driving and autonomy. Judy Curran served previously in a number of positions at Ford group from 1986 to 2018 (notably as Director of Technology Strategy from 2014 to 2018 where she notably developed the cross-vehicle global strategy for key new technologies including Assisted Driving, Infotainment, new Electrical Architectures, and Connectivity).
Judy Curran holds a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering/Computer Software from Lawrence Technological University (USA) and Masters of Science, Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan (USA).
Judy Curran holds a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering/Computer Software from Lawrence Technological University (USA) and Masters of Science, Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan (USA).
Valérie LANDON
CEO France and Belgium, Credit Suisse
Mrs. Valérie Landon, of French nationality, is an independent Board member of FORVIA since October 12, 2017. She is also a member of the Audit Committee.
She is an engineering graduate of the École Centrale de Paris.
She began her career in 1985 at Air France. In 1990, she joined Credit Suisse as an investment banker. Over the years, she has held various positions in different countries, including France, Japan, and the United States.
Since 2021, she is CEO of Credit Suisse in France and Belgium.
She is an engineering graduate of the École Centrale de Paris.
She began her career in 1985 at Air France. In 1990, she joined Credit Suisse as an investment banker. Over the years, she has held various positions in different countries, including France, Japan, and the United States.
Since 2021, she is CEO of Credit Suisse in France and Belgium.
Nicolas PETER
Board Member
Nicolas Peter worked for the BMW Group in various positions for more than three decades and was the chief financial officer and a member of the Board of Management from 2017 to May 2023. He has been chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt since 2020. Nicolas Peter serves also as a member of the German Government Commission for the German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC).
Emmanuel PIOCHE
Board member representing employees
Mr. Emmanuel Pioche, of French nationality, is a Board member representing the employees of FORVIA since November 1, 2017. He is also a member of the Audit Committee.
He is Head of R&D Frames at FORVIA (Brières les Scellés site, France) since July 2017. Previously, he was a prototype maker in the R&D trimlab at the same site.
He holds the professional title of thin-sheet metal worker, holds an Aerospace TIG Heavy and Light Metal Welding License, obtained a G2 Baccalaureat (management), and a level III programmer analyst’s diploma.
He held multiple mandates of representation of the employees from 1999 to 2017 and has notably been Secretary of the Central Works Council of the company FORVIA Sièges d’Automobiles during ten years.
He is Head of R&D Frames at FORVIA (Brières les Scellés site, France) since July 2017. Previously, he was a prototype maker in the R&D trimlab at the same site.
He holds the professional title of thin-sheet metal worker, holds an Aerospace TIG Heavy and Light Metal Welding License, obtained a G2 Baccalaureat (management), and a level III programmer analyst’s diploma.
He held multiple mandates of representation of the employees from 1999 to 2017 and has notably been Secretary of the Central Works Council of the company FORVIA Sièges d’Automobiles during ten years.
