Clara Gaymard, born on January 27, 1960, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, is a distinguished French businesswoman, public official, and author known for her impactful contributions to both the corporate world and philanthropic endeavors. As a co-founder of RAISE, an investment fund and philanthropic group aimed at fostering entrepreneurial growth, Gaymard has dedicated her career to enhancing economic development and social responsibility.
Educated at the prestigious Sciences Po and the École nationale d’administration (ENA), Gaymard began her professional journey in public service. From 1982 to 1984, she served as an administrative officer to the Mayor of Paris before advancing to the ENA. Upon graduating, she became an auditor at the French Court of Auditors and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually advising on referendums and working on economic expansion initiatives in Cairo.
Her political career gained momentum when she was appointed as the head of the office for the Minister of Intergenerational Cohesion in 1995. Over the years, she held several significant positions within the Ministry of Economy and Finance, including overseeing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and regional development initiatives. In 2003, she was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for International Investment and president of the French Agency for International Investment (AFII), where she successfully advocated for foreign investment in France.
In 2006, Gaymard transitioned to the private sector as President and CEO of General Electric (GE) France, a role she held until 2016. Her leadership extended to becoming Vice President of GE International, where she was responsible for government contracts and strategy. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in advocating for the acquisition of Alstom by GE and aimed to maintain and grow employment in France amid global layoffs.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Gaymard’s management style has been noted for its progressive approach, particularly in supporting LGBT initiatives within GE. She signed the charte d’engagement LGBT on behalf of the company, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility.
In 2016, after a decade at GE, she co-founded RAISE with Gonzague de Blignières, continuing her mission to promote entrepreneurship while giving back to society. In addition to her corporate roles, she serves on several boards, including LVMH, Danone, and Veolia, contributing her expertise to guide strategic decisions.
Outside of her corporate responsibilities, Gaymard has been active in academic and nonprofit spheres. She has lectured on contract and public law and is a founding member of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, dedicated to research on mental disabilities, named after her father, a renowned geneticist.
On a personal note, Gaymard is the daughter of Professor Jérôme Lejeune and Birthe Bringsted. She is married to Hervé Gaymard, a prominent politician, and they have nine children together. A devout Catholic, she balances her extensive professional commitments with her family life, embodying the multifaceted nature of modern leadership.
Clara Gaymard’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to fostering growth in both the business and philanthropic sectors, making her a key figure in promoting innovation and social equity in France and beyond.
