JEAN BURELLE

About JEAN BURELLE

Jean Burelle is a leading figure in French family-owned industrial capitalism and listed-company governance. He graduated from ETH Zurich and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. He began his career in 1966 at L’Oréal, then joined the Plastic Omnium group in 1967 as a department head. His rise within the group was steady and substantial: he was appointed Executive Vice-President in 1986 and became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 1987, a role he held until 2001. He later remained a director of Plastic Omnium, now OPmobility SE, until 2021 and has served as Honorary Chairman since then. Jean Burelle also played a central role at Burelle SA, the family holding company controlling the group. He served as Chairman and CEO of Burelle SA from 2001 to 2018, continued as a director until 2023, and is now Honorary Chairman. In that capacity, he was closely involved in the group’s long-term strategic direction across automotive activities, real estate, and investment holdings. He also remains a director of Burelle Participations and Sofiparc, reflecting his continued involvement in the wider family structure. Beyond the family business, Jean Burelle held major institutional roles. He chaired MEDEF International from 2005 to 2016 and then became Honorary Chairman and a director. He was also a director of Essilor International from 1977 to 2009 and chaired its Directors Committee. These appointments highlight his expertise in international strategy, corporate governance, and long-term industrial development. He is an Officer of the Legion of Honour and an Officer of the French National Order of Merit.