As the Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, a French-based multinational corporation specializing in luxury goods, Marie-Claire Daveu's illustrious career is marked by a steadfast commitment to judiciousness and environmental responsibility. Her journey commenced as a technical advisor in the Office of Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, where she laid the foundation for a trajectory dedicated to ecological stewardship.
Transitioning to the role of Chief of Staff to Serge Lepeltier, Minister of Ecology and Sustainable Development, Daveu honed her expertise in the intersection of government and environmental policies. In 2005, she assumed the mantle of Director of Sustainable Development at the Sanofi-Aventis group, a position that showcased her ability to drive sustainable practices within a corporate framework.
From 2007 to 2012, she served as Chief of Staff to Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, holding key roles in various secretarial offices and later at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport, and Housing. Her tenure during this period significantly contributed to shaping environmentally conscious policies at the governmental level.
In 2012, Daveu's career took a pivotal turn as she was appointed Director of Sustainable Development and International Institutional Relations at Kering, a luxury goods industry giant. Here, she not only defined an ambitious strategy and set of targets but also implemented a comprehensive set of best practices across the group and its houses. Kering's commitment to sustainability under her leadership was globally recognized when, in the Corporate Knights' 2019 Global 100 Index announced at the World Economic Forum, the company was named the second-most sustainable company across all industries worldwide and first in Luxury and fashion.
Further, her influence extends beyond the corporate realm; she is also a Board member of AgroParisTech, showcasing her dedication to fostering sustainability in various sectors. Her educational background includes a degree in Rural Engineering, Water, and Forests from ENGREF, a Masters (DESS) in public administration from the University of Paris Dauphine, and a degree in agricultural engineering from the Institute National Agronomique Paris-Grignon.
In articulating Kering's approach to sustainability, Daveu acknowledges imperfection while emphasizing the commitment to continuous improvement. Her philosophy, encapsulated in the statement, "You can do something and you have to do something," reflects the ethos of the Kering group and their collective responsibility towards positive environmental change.
Daveu stands as an exemplary leader, seamlessly blending her expertise in public administration with a passion for sustainable practices, thus leaving an indelible mark on the corporate landscape.