Jean-Paul Herteman
Jean-Paul Herteman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1950 |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation(s) | Aerospace engineer, executive |
| Known for | CEO of Safran, Chairman of GIFAS and ASD, Vice-chairman of Conseil général de l'armement |
Jean-Paul Herteman (born 1950) is a French executive, aerospace engineer, and specialist in materials science. He held the position of CEO at Safran, a prominent manufacturer of aerospace engines and equipment, until April 2015. Herteman also led the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) as its chairman and chaired the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), which represents major sectors in European aerospace, defense, and security. Furthermore, he served as vice-chairman of the Conseil général de l'armement (General Council of Armament), an organization under the authority of the French Minister of Defence.
Biography
Jean-Paul Herteman was born in 1950 and enrolled at the École Polytechnique in 1970 (class X70), completing his studies in 1973 before joining the Corps de l'armement. He graduated from Supaéro in 1975 and started his professional journey at the Direction générale de l'armement's Centre d'essais aéronautiques de Toulouse, where he specialized in testing aerospace materials. In 1984, he became part of Snecma and eventually took on the role of CEO at Safran from 2007 through April 2015.
Career
Herteman's professional path has been predominantly within the Snecma Group (currently known as Safran), where he occupied various engineering and executive positions:
- 1984: Led research on materials and processes
- 1987: Appointed Deputy Director of Quality
- 1989: Served as Vice President for Quality and chaired the Quality board at GIFAS
- 1993: Directed the Snecma Design Department
- 1994: Became Deputy Director of Engineering
- 1995: Managed the CFM56 programs as Director
- 1996: Assumed roles as Vice President of CFM International and VP for Engineering at Snecma
- 1999: Headed the Rocket Engine Division (Société européenne de propulsion)
- 2002: Named CEO of Snecma Moteurs
- 2004: Promoted to Executive VP of Snecma Group’s Aerospace Propulsion Branch
- 2007: Became Chairman of Safran’s board and Chairman of GIFAS
- 2010: Took office as Vice Chairman of the Conseil général de l'armement
- April 2011: Appointed CEO and Chairman of Safran’s Board
- July 2012: Reelected as Chairman of GIFAS
Prior to the 2011 Paris Air Show, Herteman underscored Safran's global growth into markets including the United States, Italy, and China, while stressing innovation efforts with the introduction of the LEAP engine. He also addressed modifications in Safran’s corporate governance structure, highlighting a reduction in board size from 27 to 15 members, increased female participation, and inclusion of distinguished industry leaders such as Francis Mer (Vice President), Jean-Lou Chameau (Caltech Chairman), and Giovanni Bisignani (former head of IATA and Alitalia).