Olivier Andries

About Olivier Andries

Olivier Andriès is a leading French industrial executive in aerospace and defense, and he has served as Chief Executive Officer and board member of Safran since January 1, 2021. Born in 1962, he graduated from École polytechnique and the École des Mines de Paris, and his career has been shaped by senior roles across public administration, strategy, and large-scale industrial operations. He began his professional path in the French Ministry of Industry and at the Treasury, then joined the office of the Minister of Economy and Finance in 1993 as an industrial adviser. He later moved to Lagardère in 1995, where he worked on acquisition and merger projects, and then joined Airbus in 2000. At Airbus, Andriès held a series of strategic positions, including head of product policy, head of long-haul programs, head of strategy and cooperation, and eventually head of strategy in 2007. This period helped establish his reputation for managing complex industrial ecosystems and international partnerships. In March 2008, he joined Safran as Executive Vice President for Group Strategy and Development, then became Executive Vice President of Safran’s Defense-Security branch in 2009. His trajectory within the group continued with major operational responsibilities: in 2011, he was appointed Chairman and CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, and in June 2015 he became Chairman of Safran Aircraft Engines. As Safran’s chief executive, Andriès is associated with a governance style focused on innovation, industrial performance, and the transition toward more sustainable aviation. He has overseen strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Safran’s technology base, reinforcing its positions in propulsion and equipment, and supporting the decarbonization roadmap of the group. His leadership has also coincided with major industrial decisions, including the integration of new technologies and the expansion of Safran’s defense and space capabilities. Beyond Safran, he has taken on additional board and governance roles, including Veolia Environnement, the École nationale supérieure des Mines de Paris, and, since 2025, the GIFAS, the French aerospace industry association. His profile combines public-sector insight, strategic discipline, and deep industrial expertise.