To lead to be French. Why do many French citizens lead major companies abroad?

the world He recently highlighted that a non -proportional number of French national executives are leading companies outside their homeland, more than any other European country.

Whether Marguerite Bérard in ABN Amro, Ariane GORIN in Expedia, Christophe Fouquet in ASML, or Fidji Simo in InstaCart, there are many main French players at a very high level. Laurent Frex in Nestle was also on this list before it was recently Overwhelm To hide an affair with a more young colleague.

In fact, French citizens head about 30 major foreign companies with a total assessment of $ 2 trillion, similar to the entire market index of the France index CAC 40, according to the world.

So, what is the secret of French success abroad?

Well, it starts early. Napoleon It laid the basis for the French school system, and the establishment of secondary schools that can produce a political class capable of managing the army and the country effectively, as well as the middle class that does not want to cause another revolution. Many of them were working in a fictional manner, similar to military schools.

Today, the French school system continues to separate the elite and constantly encourage children – even at the primary level – to think about how to help their grades today secure the best jobs after attending the best higher education institutions.

These are écoles Grandes, where acceptance is fierce, and is followed by two years of intense training in Préparatoires, which resemble university. Grandes écoles includes elite colleges for business, such as école polytechnique, HEC Paris, Institut D’ATudes Politiques de Paris, Essec and Sciences Po, whose graduates have a good reputation in commercial business, strategic and analytical skills. These skills estimated by the business world, wherever they are. Strong English skills are expected.

Many of these graduates become French politicians or part of the French elite, which actually creates an administrative chapter in every part of French society. In 1980, American Ticket It revealed that 80 % of senior executives in the most prominent French companies came from only five of the grades.

Some of these French executives move abroad by publishing with a French company and then moving to a different company; Some of these executives were outside France for decades.

Matteo Corticois, founder of Sia Partners, said, said Matteo Corticois, founder of Sia Partners, said, the world He believes that he is part of brain migration. American companies are filled with French doctorate owners at all levels, as many are working in American biology or artificial intelligence organizations, which is considered one of the symptoms of the cancellation of industry in France.

Others may say that non -French companies are attractive to French executives because the French work world can be strict. Strict hierarchical structures and very bureaucratic labor laws inhibit the risks.

In addition, French employers expect the candidates to have specific qualifications and experience. However, work cultures vary, and companies outside France can allow more flexibility.

An interesting mystery arises from the fact that it may be the nature of the elite schools and the culture of strict companies that encourage some French leaders to move away.

Fortune Global Forum Returns 26 to 27 October, 2025 in Rydah. Executive chiefs and world leaders will meet for a dynamic event for the call only forms the future of business. Apply for an invitation.