Bernard Hanon
Bernard Hanon (born January 7, 1932 in Bois-Colombes; died November 10, 2021 in Neuilly-sur-Seine) was a French business executive who served as Chairman and CEO of Renault from 1981 to 1985.[1]
Early Life and Education
During World War II, Hanon’s Polish Jewish parents fled to Africa and then Palestine. The family returned to Paris in 1944, where Bernard attended Lycée Louis-le-Grand. He graduated from HEC Paris and earned an MBA from Columbia University.[2]
Career
Hanon joined Renault in 1959, overseeing marketing for the U.S. subsidiary until 1963. After a stint teaching economics at Columbia, he returned to Renault in 1966 as head of economic studies, then director of IT and planning. Promoting emerging trends—such as the growth of dual-car households—he supported the 1972 launch of the Renault 5, a major success. He became Deputy CEO in 1976 and CEO in 1980.
In 1981, President François Mitterrand’s government appointed Hanon as Chairman and CEO of Renault. Under his leadership, the company implemented socialist-inspired reforms (39-hour workweek, fifth week of paid leave) and expanded employee benefits. The Renault-Matra agreement in 1983 led to the Espace minivan, launched in 1984.[3]
Despite investments—such as the ill-fated 46 % stake in American Motors (later sold to Chrysler)—Renault reported a record 12.5 billion franc loss for 1984. Hanon was replaced in January 1985 by Georges Besse, who initiated a major restructuring.[4]
After leaving Renault, Hanon founded a consulting firm and later served as President of the National School of Industrial Design.
He passed away in 2021 at age 89.[5]