Early Life and Education
Jean-Laurent Bonnafé was born on July 14, 1961, in Albi, France, to a father who was an electrical engineer at Électricité de France (EDF) and a mother who was a lawyer. He attended the prestigious Lycée Louis-le-Grand before furthering his education at the École Polytechnique and École des Mines, where he graduated with an engineering degree.

Career
Bonnafé began his career in the French civil service, serving as a Senior Officer in the Ministry of Industry and as a Technical Advisor to the Minister of Trade and Industry. In 1993, he transitioned to the private sector by joining BNP as a Senior Investment Banker. His strategic insight was evident early on when he played a key role in BNP’s double bid for Société Générale and Paribas in 1999, leading to BNP’s successful acquisition of Paribas.

Over the years, Bonnafé’s leadership capabilities saw him rise through the ranks. He was appointed Head of Strategy and Development in 1997, and after the merger with Paribas in 2000, he led the integration process. In 2002, he became Head of French Retail Banking, joining the Group Executive Committee. His ascent continued with roles such as Managing Director of BNL after its merger in 2006 and Chief Operating Officer of BNP Paribas in 2008. In 2009, he took on the role of CEO of Fortis Bank, where he focused on integrating Fortis Retail Banking into BNP Paribas.

On December 1, 2011, Bonnafé was appointed CEO of BNP Paribas, succeeding Baudouin Prot. Under his leadership, the bank has focused on sustainable finance, digital transformation, and adapting to global economic challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Overview
As of 2017, Bonnafé’s compensation was reported to be $4.5 million, reflecting his significant responsibilities within the organization.

Board Memberships and Other Activities
Bonnafé has served on several corporate boards, including as a member of the Board of Directors for Carrefour since 2008 and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro since 2009. He has been actively involved in non-profit organizations, chairing the Fédération Bancaire Française since 2017 and the Association pour le Rayonnement de l’Opéra de Paris (AROP). He is also a member of the International Advisory Council at Bocconi University and Vice-Chairman of Entreprises pour l’Environnement.

Vision and Leadership Style
Bonnafé’s leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to sustainability and digital innovation. He has emphasized the importance of adapting to new economic realities and supporting customers through challenging times. His strategic initiatives have positioned BNP Paribas as a leader in sustainable finance, significantly contributing to financing projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Personal Life
Though details about Bonnafé’s personal life are less public, his professional journey reflects a dedication to banking and finance, marked by a commitment to responsible investment and societal impact.