The sale of Webhelp to Concentrix in 2023 for a 4.8 billion dollar valuation marked a definitive milestone in the career of French entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset. Co-founded in 2000, the company grew from a small provider of IT support into a global leader in outsourced business services under his leadership as chairman.
Early Professional Development
Born in Paris in 1970, Jousset attended HEC Paris, graduating in 1992. His early career included a stint at Kérastase before he launched Clientis SA, a software publisher, in 1998. Following a period as a strategy consultant at Bain & Company, he established Webhelp with Olivier Duha. During this formative stage, he also served as a second lieutenant in the 6th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment.
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Through his holding firm, Compagnie Financière Jousset, he has diversified into various sectors including hospitality, media, and agrofood. In 2014, he secured a 50-year concession for the Relais de Chambord hotel. His media holdings include Beaux Arts Magazine and Le Quotidien de l'art. Recent industrial acquisitions include the waterproofing manufacturer SMAC and the travel entities FRAM and Promovacances.
Cultural Philanthropy and Art Explora
Jousset maintains extensive involvement in the arts, serving on the Louvre's patronage council and acquisitions commission between 2007 and 2014. In 2019, he launched the foundation Art Explora and the investment fund ArtNova, which supports cultural technology projects. Notable initiatives include the construction of the museum-boat Art Explorer and the 2025 launch of the Time Odyssey initiative to subsidize museum visits for schoolchildren in the United Kingdom.
Institutional Roles and Recognition
Jousset has held leadership positions at several prominent institutions, including the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. His contributions have earned him numerous distinctions, including the Legion of Honour in 2019, the rank of Commander in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and the title of Officer of the Ordre national du Mérite.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Paris
- Education: HEC Paris
- Business Co-founded: Webhelp
- Holding Company: Compagnie Financière Jousset
- Foundation: Art Explora
- Legion of Honour: Knight (2019)
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of ArtNova?
ArtNova is a 100-million euro fund dedicated to investing in the cultural ecosystem and art technology.
Which major hotel did Jousset renovate?
In 2014, he obtained a 50-year concession for the Relais de Chambord, which reopened in 2018 following a renovation by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte.
Achievements
- Knight of the National Order of Merit — 2010
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 2019
- Commander of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite
- Affiliated with Sciences Po and Webhelp
- Educated at HEC Paris
