Laurence Parisot

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. 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.

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.

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. In 2018, she was appointed by U.S. bank Citigroup as chairwoman and managing director of its French unit.

Other activities Corporate boards Électricité de France (EDF), Member of Board of Directors (since 2014) BNP Paribas, Member of the Board of Directors (2006–2018) 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) European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), Member International Crisis Group (ICG), Board of Trustees (since 2012) Open Society Foundations, Member of the European Advisory Board

Recognition Parisot was awarded the Ordre national du Mérite.

Personal life Parisot is single and lives in Paris.