The career of Michel de Rosen spans several decades of executive leadership within multinational corporations and French governmental institutions. Born in 1951 in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, he established his professional reputation through a blend of public service and corporate management, moving between high-level roles in the pharmaceutical, satellite telecommunications, and automotive supply industries throughout his tenure.
Early Career and Education
De Rosen holds an MBA from HEC Paris and is a graduate of the École nationale d'administration, where he studied from 1974 to 1976. Following his academic training, he entered the public sector, serving as an auditor at the French Ministries of Finance and Defense between 1976 and 1982. This period provided the regulatory and economic foundation that characterized his later approach to international business.
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Beginning in 1982, he joined the French chemical and pharmaceutical group Rhône-Poulenc. Over the next seventeen years, he occupied various executive capacities across both the French operations and the American division, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer. He served as the chief executive officer of these entities from May 1995 until December 1999 and functioned as the chairman of the board of directors from 1996 to 1999. In August 2002, he transitioned to the American biopharmaceutical company ViroPharma, where he remained as both chairman and CEO until May 2008.
Telecommunications and Governance
From 2009 to 2016, de Rosen served as the CEO of Eutelsat Communications. Following this period, he took on the role of chairman of Faurecia. His professional activities include extensive involvement in corporate governance as a board member. He has held a position on the board of directors at ABB since 2002. Additionally, he has served as an advisor at Gnosko Bio since 2020, and has held board or trustee roles at InnaPhase Corporation, Pennsylvania Bio, and Ursinus College.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, 16th arrondissement of Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Education: HEC Paris and École nationale d'administration
- Known for: Executive leadership at Eutelsat and Rhône-Poulenc
- Award: Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Member of: HEC Alumni
Questions readers ask
What is the primary industry experience of Michel de Rosen?
He has held executive and board roles across pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and automotive manufacturing.
Did de Rosen work in the public sector?
Yes, he served as an auditor for the French Ministries of Finance and Defense from 1976 to 1982.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Educated at HEC Paris and École nationale d'administration


