Nationality French | Occupation Businessman | |
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Education École Polytechnique, Stanford University |
Jean-Paul Béchat (September 2, 1942 – November 22, 2014) was a French engineer. He was the CEO of Snecma then Safran until 2007.
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Early life
Béchat was born in Montlhery, France. He held an engineering degree from the École Polytechnique and a Master of Science from Stanford University.
Career
Béchat started career at Snecma in 1965 as a production engineer, where he spent the main part of his career. At the company he later became Director of production during 1974-1978, managing director of Industrial Affairs between 1979-1981, then Assistant General Manager of the reactor power management subsidiary, Hispano-Suiza between 1982-1985. In 1986 he became General Manager then CEO of Messier-Hispano-Bugatti, later creating Messier-Dowty in 1994.
Béchat was CEO of Snecma SA From June 4, 1996 to March 2005. Béchat oversaw the merger of Snecma and the defense-electronics maker Sagem, in 2005, to form Safran, Europe’s second largest engine maker . He ran the company as CEO between 2005 and 2007.
Board Memberships
Awards
Other Affiliations
Bechat also held the positions of a member of the UIMM, Board Member of the Musée de l'air et de l'espace, and member of the ASD council, in addition to having been a member of the Economic Council of Defense and the General Council of Armaments.