Jacques Maisonrouge

Jacques Gaston Maisonrouge
Jacques Gaston Maisonrouge
Born	Template:Birth date; Cachan, France
Died	January 25, 2012 (aged 87)
Occupation	Business executive
Years active	1948–1984 (IBM)
Known for	Chairman of IBM World Trade Corporation

Jacques Gaston Maisonrouge (20 September 1924 – 25 January 2012) was a prominent French executive known for his leadership as chairman of IBM World Trade Corporation. Originating from Cachan, he completed his education at the École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures and wed Francoise Féron in 1948; together they had five children.

Over a span of 36 years at IBM (1948–1984), Maisonrouge held four assignments in the United States. His career progression included appointments as Vice President of IBM World Trade Corporation in 1962, ascending to President by 1967, then CEO in 1973, and ultimately Chairman in 1976. He became a member of the IBM Corporation Board in 1983 before retiring the following year. Additionally, he served on the boards of Air Liquide, Moët-Hennessy, and Philip Morris.

Following his retirement, Maisonrouge took on the role of France’s Director General of Industry in 1986 and led the Centre Français du Commerce Extérieur (CFCE), the national agency dedicated to promoting French international commerce. From 1989 onward, as chairman of the Senate Committee for the Image of France abroad, he was instrumental in enhancing Franco-American commercial ties and advocated for international trade as a means to foster peace. His corporate experiences are detailed in his 1989 publication, Inside IBM: A European's Story.

His leadership extended to chairing École Centrale, presiding over the Board of Governors at the American Hospital of Paris, and heading the Association France-United States. He notably delivered a keynote address at the inaugural European Management Forum in 1971, which later evolved into the World Economic Forum.

Maisonrouge was honored with numerous distinctions including Grand Officier of the Légion d'Honneur (1999); Commander ranks within the French Orders of Merit, Academic Palms, and Arts and Letters; Austria’s Grand Cross of Merit; Commander of Italy’s Order of Merit; Officer of Belgium’s Order of the Crown; Commander of Sweden’s Order of the Polar Star; recipient of the Vatican’s Order of Saint Sylvester; both Knight and Grand Officer in the Order of Malta; as well as honorary doctorates awarded by universities in Belgium, Spain, and the United States.

In recognition of his legacy, École Centrale Paris named its graduating class of 2015 in his honor.

Further reading