The executive chair role at the private equity firm Wendel saw Frédéric Lemoine manage a multi-year transition from April 2009 until December 2017. Born in 1965 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, he followed an academic path through Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Sciences Po, HEC Paris, and the École nationale d'administration, eventually bridging the gap between high-level public service and private enterprise.
Public Sector Foundations
Before transitioning into the private sector, Lemoine operated within the highest levels of the French state. From 2002 to 2004, he served as the Assistant Secretary General of the Presidency of the French Republic. This period followed his rigorous academic training and established the professional credentials necessary for his later shift into large-scale corporate leadership and international finance.
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In 2009, Lemoine succeeded Jean-Bernard Lafonta to lead the family-controlled private equity group Wendel. His tenure focused on managing significant asset portfolios, including roles overseeing investments in firms such as Saint-Gobain and Bureau Veritas. He initially joined Wendel as a member of the Supervisory Board in June 2008 before assuming the top executive position the following year, where he remained for nearly a decade.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Beyond his work at Wendel, Lemoine has maintained a steady presence in various corporate and non-profit governance structures. He joined the board of Saint-Gobain in April 2009 and the board of Insead in January 2011. His advisory experience includes a stint as a Special Advisor at McKinsey from 2004 to 2008 and as a Special Advisor to Lauxera Capital Partners starting in 2020. Additionally, he serves on the board of the non-profit organization Orchestre à l'Ecole and the Alliance for International Medical Action.
Political Engagement and Recognition
Lemoine has been recognized for his contributions to the French business landscape through several state honors. He was named a Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2005, a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2009, and later an Officer of the National Order of Merit in 2016. In 2006, he was designated a Young Leader by the French American Foundation. Politically, he publicly supported Valérie Pécresse during her 2022 presidential election campaign.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Education: École nationale d'administration
- Wendel Executive Board Chairperson: 2009–2018
- Knight of the Legion of Honour: 2009
- McKinsey Special Advisor: 2004–2008
- Citizenship: France
Questions readers ask
What major firm did Frédéric Lemoine lead?
He served as the chairperson of the executive board of the private equity group Wendel from 2009 to 2018.
Did Lemoine work in the French government?
Yes, he served as the Assistant Secretary General of the Presidency of the French Republic from 2002 to 2004.
Achievements
- Officer of the National Order of Merit — 2016
- Knight of the National Order of Merit — 2005
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 2009
- Educated at École nationale d'administration and HEC Paris
