Jean-Paul Gut
Jean-Paul Gut | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1961 |
| Alma mater | Sciences Po |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, Business executive |
| Known for | Executive roles at EADS/Airbus, involvement in Airbus investigations |
Jean-Paul Gut is an economist by training and formerly held executive roles at the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), now integrated into Airbus. Investigations have been conducted concerning his conduct during his time at EADS/Airbus and in his later business activities.
Career
Jean-Paul Gut earned a master's degree in economics from Sciences Po in Paris.
His professional journey started at Matra. After the 2000 merger between Matra and Aérospatiale, he was named President of Aerospatiale Matra Lagardère International and served as Deputy Director responsible for defense and space transportation sectors.
EADS (now Airbus)
Gut was appointed executive director of EADS and director of EADS International, a division of Airbus, in 2005. Following the departure of Jean-Louis Gergorin in June 2006, he assumed responsibility for the corporation’s worldwide strategy as executive director of marketing and strategy. In this capacity, he managed all international operations and led the SMO-IO division, which employed 150 staff members and operated with a budget of $300 million.
In June 2007, Gut stepped down from his position, with Marwan Lahoud succeeding him. His severance package amounted to 2.8 million euros, corresponding to two years’ salary after 24 years with the company. Subsequent inquiries revealed that he had received concealed payments exceeding 80 million euros. Shortly before his departure from EADS, he secured a €16 billion contract with Qatar Airways for 80 Airbus A350 aircraft.
Consulting company
Gut established Coolmore International in London, a consultancy that assists French and European firms with their international expansion efforts and connects foreign investors to European companies engaged in major development projects. In 2007, Airbus was among its principal clients.
Insider trading allegations
In June 2008, Gut faced indictment on insider trading charges, accused of selling his EADS shares in March 2006 based on privileged information regarding delays affecting the Airbus A380 and A350 programs, which subsequently caused a decline in share value. On December 17, 2009, the Financial Markets Authority dismissed the accusations against him and terminated the case without sanctions. Nevertheless, prosecutors pursued criminal proceedings beginning in 2014. After a constitutional decision reaffirmed the principle of non bis in idem (double jeopardy), the matter was conclusively closed without a conviction.
Investigations into Airbus fraud and corruption
Gut was implicated in schemes involving secret commission payments by Airbus across various regions, especially the Middle East. This includes Egypt, where Airbus sold seven A330 aircraft to EgyptAir in April 2003 for €900 million. Reports suggest that €9.5 million was routed through an intermediary at the behest of the SMO department under Gut’s leadership.
A coordinated inquiry launched by authorities from France, the UK, and the USA in 2016 examined concealed commissions paid over a span of twelve years. These investigations culminated in substantial fines imposed on Airbus. Throughout these probes into former executives for corrupt practices, Gut remained a key figure. In 2020, Airbus reached an agreement with the French National Financial Prosecutor's Office, resulting in a record €3.6 billion fine to avoid prosecution.
In September 2019, Gut was detained concerning payments made to Alexandre Djouhri linked to Airbus aircraft sales to Libya. In 2022, Airbus concluded a second settlement with prosecutors addressing this bribery case alongside others by paying a €15.9 million fine to prevent further legal action. During testimony in March 2025, Djouhri stated that Gut had promised him €15 million related to these transactions.