Laurence Parisot (; born 31 August 1959 in Luxeuil-les-Bains, Haute-Saône) is a French businesswoman who was head of the French MEDEF employers' union from 2005 until 2013. She also directs the IFOP poll institute. She became the 276th wealthiest French person after she inherited the Parisot group (first furnishing retail group in France). She is vice-president of La Fondation Droit Animal, Éthique et Science from 2020 to 2025 and succeeded Louis Schweitzer as president of the Foundation in June 2025.
Family Her father and grandfather Jacques Parisot (who set up the business) led the Parisot group, an unquoted furnishing retail company. She is single and has no children.
Education Parisot studied public law in Nancy University and then entered Sciences Po. In 1986, she was nominated director of the Louis Harris Institute poll.
Career Since 1990, Parisot has been chief executive of the IFOP poll institute after she bought 75% of its capital. She has also been a member of BNP Paribas board since 1990.
Head of the MEDEF
In 2003, Parisot entered the MEDEF executive board. On 5 July 2005 she beat two other candidatesKatrin Bennhold (July 6, 2005), For lobby group, a French revolution New York Times. in a vote to replace Ernest-Antoine Seillière. At the time, she was the youngest ever head of the business lobby and the first one to run a service company. During her time in office, Parisot declared that she intended to fight against unemployment and put “enterprise at the center of French society”. She added that she would work very hard to push French MPs to adopt more liberal labour legislation.
On 6 November 2007, Parisot was among the guests invited to the state dinner hosted by U.S. president George W. Bush in honor of President Nicolas Sarkozy at the White House.Guest List for the Social Dinner in Honor of His Excellency Nicolas Sarkozy President of the French Republic Office of the First Lady of the United States, press release of 6 November 2007.
In 2013, Parisot lost an internal battle to alter the group's statutes and extend her eight-year term; instead, she was replaced with Pierre Gattaz.Nicholas Vinocur (July 3, 2013), New French employer chief urges more labour reform Reuters.
Later career In 2014, Parisot declared her interest in succeeding Henri Proglio as CEO of French state utility Électricité de France (EDF); instead, the position went to Jean-Bernard Lévy.Geert De Clercq (October 14, 2014), EDF chief's future hangs in French power balance Reuters. In 2018, she was appointed by U.S. bank Citigroup as chairwoman and managing director of its French unit.Inti Landauro (September 27, 2018), Citi names French lobbyist Laurence Parisot as French unit head Reuters.
Other activities Corporate boards Électricité de France (EDF), Member of Board of Directors (since 2014)Board of Directors Électricité de France.Geert De Clercq (October 16, 2014), EDF to add former car CEO, employer association head to board Reuters. BNP Paribas, Member of the Board of Directors (2006–2018)Inti Landauro (December 5, 2018), BNP Paribas names new board member replacing Laurence Parisot Reuters. Ernst & Young, Member of the Advisory Board Michelin, Independent Member of Board of Directors (2005–2015) Coface, Independent Member of Board of Directors (2007–2014) Havas, Member of Board of Directors (2005–2006) Disneyland Paris, Independent Member of Board of Directors (2000–2006)
Non-profit organizations Institut de la Finance Durable (IFD), Member of the Board of Directors (since 2022)Board of Directors Institut de la Finance Durable (IFD). European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), MemberMembers of the Council European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). International Crisis Group (ICG), Board of Trustees (since 2012)Crisis Group Announces New Board Members International Crisis Group (ICG), press release of July 2, 2012. Open Society Foundations, Member of the European Advisory BoardEuropean Advisory Board Open Society Foundations.
Recognition Parisot was awarded the Ordre national du Mérite.
Personal life Parisot is single and lives in Paris.Emma Jacobs (November 15, 2011), Q&A: Laurence Parisot, president of Medef Financial Times.
References (FR) Translated from the French version