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Christophe de Margerie, The New President of Total: a humanist and visionary ESCP Europe alumnus (1974)
On May 21st, 2010, Christophe de Margerie became President of Total.
The ESCP Europe community is delighted about the nomination of this Alumnus who has always played an active role in the development of the school. He regularly attends the General Meeting of the ESCP Europe Alumni Association and was the Patron of the ESCP Europe Master in Management Class of 2009.
Here is a glimpse of Christophe de Margerie’s vision about the international market, management and power.
At the graduation ceremony, Christophe de Margerie, "connoisseur of the world through people", reminded new graduates of the importance of an international career.
According to him, and in line with the European humanist values championed throughout the world by ESCP Europe, "going overseas is an absolute must for young graduates who need to prepare themselves by completing courses and internships abroad.
Then, in their professional life, they need to seek mobility (…). Sometimes you have to force yourself, that’s what it takes to gain rich experience".
Christophe de Margerie also shared his conception of the exercise of power with the ESCP Europe Alumni Magazine, "Power is a tool that is used to lead. What is important is to have a vision, to share it, to have it backed by one’s board and, if need be, by shareholders, and then to implement it. Power is not about giving orders; it is the possibility to have a long-term strategic reflexion and to exercise a collegial power."
While his managing style is very personal, according to him, authority doesn’t aim "at imposing ideas but rather at urging others to be imaginative and active so that everyone gives one’s best."
Christophe de Margerie’s management vision and practice is highly appreciated by his co-workers who also like his sense of humour and have given him the affectionate nickname of “Big Moustache”…
More information about the ESCP Europe Alumni Network:
By mail
By tel:+33 (0)1 43 57 24 03
Christophe de Margerie’s Biography
Christophe de Margerie joined Total in 1974, directly after graduating from ESCP Europe. He served in several positions in the Group’s Financial Department and Exploration-Production division. He became president of Total Middle-East in 1995 before joining the Group’s executive committee as President of the exploration and production division in May 1999. He then became Senior Executive Vice-President of exploration and production of the new TotalFinaElf group in 2000. In January 2002, he became President of the Exploration & Production division of Total. He has served as a member of the Executive Committee since 1999. He was appointed a member of the Board of Directors at the 2006 shareholders’ meeting. He became Chief Executive Officer of Total as from February 2007, and is now also the President.
Christophe de Margerie is also a Knight of the Legion of Honor and of the Ordre National du Mérite. He is married and has three children.
