GTT Appoints François Michel as CEO
GTT Group has announced the appointment of François Michel as CEO effective January 5, 2026. This unanimous decision by the Board of Directors on December 13 marks a return to a separate governance structure for the cryogenic containment system specialist.
Selection Process and Governance Changes
According to the press release, the company's Board of Directors selected François Michel after a rigorous selection process. Catherine Ronge, Chair of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, stated that this choice reflects the intent to equip GTT with a leader capable of mobilizing teams in face of upcoming technological challenges. She mentioned that she would support the new CEO as he takes on his role, continuing the trajectory built around innovation and excellence. This separation of powers comes as the group navigates through a significant transformation in the energy sector.
François Michel's Professional Background
46-year-old François Michel is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and an engineer from the Mines. His career began in the Marine and Power sectors of Alstom Group, before moving to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and then to the International Monetary Fund in Washington. In 2009, he joined the office of the President of France as a technical advisor in charge of public finances. He later joined Saint-Gobain Group in 2012, where he served as Director of Strategy and Planning, and subsequently led several global subsidiaries. Since 2022, he has been the Deputy Administrator and CEO of John Cockerill, a technology group active in energy, defense, green hydrogen, metallurgy, and industrial services.
Mission and Future Directions under New Leadership
According to the group, François Michel's mission will be to continue implementing GTT's strategy by enhancing technological innovation and operational excellence, while supporting the diversification effort and the group's development. The new CEO expressed a full understanding of the responsibility entrusted to him in a context of profound changes in the energy sector. Under his leadership at John Cockerill, the group accelerated its international and technological growth, securing several strategic partnerships, as indicated in the press release. GTT, specializing in membrane cryogenic containment systems for the transport and storage of liquefied gases, is also developing solutions to assist shipowners and energy providers towards a decarbonized future.
