Louis Schweitzer

Louis Schweitzer (born July 8, 1942) is a prominent French businessman and philanthropist. He is best known for his tenure as the CEO of Renault, a major automobile manufacturer, from 1992 to 2005.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Schweitzer was born in Geneva, Switzerland, but grew up in France. He studied at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and the Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA), two prestigious French higher education institutions.

Career[edit | edit source]

After graduating from ENA, Schweitzer joined the French Civil Service, where he worked in various roles, including as a technical advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance. In 1981, he transitioned to the private sector, joining Renault as Chief Financial Officer. He was appointed CEO of Renault in 1992, a position he held until 2005. During his tenure, he oversaw the company's successful turnaround and its strategic alliance with Nissan.

In addition to his role at Renault, Schweitzer has held numerous other positions in the business world. He served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Le Monde from 2005 to 2007 and as Chairman of AstraZeneca from 2004 to 2012. He is also a member of the French Academy of Technology.

Philanthropy[edit | edit source]

Schweitzer is also known for his philanthropic work. He is the founder of the Louis Schweitzer Fund, which supports projects in the fields of education, culture, and social integration. He also served as the High Commissioner for Active Solidarity against Poverty in the French government from 2006 to 2010.

Honours[edit | edit source]

Schweitzer has received numerous honours for his contributions to business and society. He is a Commander of the Legion of Honour, one of France's highest decorations, and a recipient of the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit.