The listed French GTT Group will once again have a new CEO at the start of 2026 – with plenty of political experience. His predecessor only took up the post a year and a half ago.
The LNG and tank technology specialist announced the appointment of François Michel as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from January 5. This restores the “previous, decoupled management structure”, according to a statement.
The 46-year-old joins from technology group John Cockerill, which is active in the energy, defense, green hydrogen, metallurgy and industrial services sectors. Michel succeeds Jean-Baptiste Choimet, who was appointed CEO in mid-2024.
A graduate of the École Polytechnique and the École des Mines, Michel began his career in the marine and energy sector at the Alstom Group. He then moved to the French Ministry of Economy and Finance and later to the International Monetary Fund in Washington, where he worked on international economic stability issues. In 2009, he joined the Office of the French President as a technical advisor on public finance. In 2012, he joined the Saint-Gobain Group as Director of Strategy and Planning and subsequently held management positions in various international subsidiaries of the Group. He has been Managing Director and CEO of John Cockerill since 2022.
The decision in favor of Michel was reportedly made “after a demanding selection process”, in which Michel “impressed with his management experience, his in-depth knowledge of the technological challenges facing the GTT Group and its industry, and his strategic vision”. In his new role, he will continue to implement the GTT strategy while supporting the Group’s diversification and development efforts.
Michel himself said: “I am honored by the trust placed in me by the Board of Directors and the Chairman of GTT. I am fully aware of the responsibility I have been given at a time of profound change in the energy sector. I am very much looking forward to strengthening GTT’s teams and contributing to the Group’s technological and international reach.”
Catherine Ronge, Chair of the Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors of the GTT Group, said: “The Board of Directors has conducted a careful selection process. The appointment of François Michel underlines our determination to provide GTT with a CEO capable of mobilizing teams and meeting the major technological challenges of the future.”
