Alongside its governance, Patrons Without Borders, is also developing thanks to the high patronage of prestigious sponsors. Europeans or Africans, they support the ambitious and innovative approach of the association.
Alongside its governance, Patrons Without Borders, is also developing thanks to the high patronage of prestigious sponsors. Europeans or Africans, they support the ambitious and innovative approach of the association.
Francis HOLDER
Co-founder of the eponymous group and owner of the Paul et Ladurée brands
From apprentice baker at 15, he took over the business with his mother in 1955, after the death of his father, and develops the bakery PAUL in Lille. Very quickly, nothing stops the expansion of the craftsman who supplies the companies of the region. Then he created its first factory, Moulin Bleu, to serve its retail customers. He brings the wood stove back to the fore and installs bakeries throughout France (1972). This will be followed by the purchase of Ladurée (1993). Since 2000, the group has been expanding all over the world: London, the Middle East, America, Asia … In 2014, the company celebrates 125 years and Francis Holder’s children are already taking over by developing the group’s banners.
Jean Madar
Managing Director of Interparfums
Graduate of the Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC), he founded with Philippe Benacin the Interparfums company in France in 1982. Manufacturer and distributor of prestige fragrances, the company moved to the United States in 1985. License agreements with S.T. Dupont, Paul Smith, Lanvin, Van Cleef & Arpels or Jimmy Choo, Repetto, Karl Lagerfeld, Coach, Rochas or Montblanc … His creations are at the top of selective perfumeries. Performing, the group achieves 422 million annual turnover with spectacular growth.
Alexandre VILGRAIN
Managing director of SOMDIAA Group
After graduating studies in law at the Paris II Panthéon-Assas University, Alexandre Vilgrain joined the family company, SOMDIAA (Organization Society for Management and Development of Food and Agricultural Industries) in 1979.
Agribusiness Group, it produces and markets food products, mainly sugar and flour, on the African continent – very present in Cameroon (through Sosucam and SGMC), in Chad (through CST), in Gabon (through Smag) and Congo-Brazzaville (through Saris) – and in the Indian Ocean.
Highly known for his valuable knowledge of economic developments in Africa, Alexandre Vilgrain is appointed head of the group following his father Jean-Louis Vilgrain in 1995, he now administers all subsidiaries of SOMDIAA and exercises different constituents in other companies (CARE France).
