Angélique Gérard, born Angélique Dilscher in 1975 in Fontainebleau, France, has emerged as a significant figure in the telecommunications sector, known for her innovative leadership and dynamic management style. Currently, she serves as the Director of Subscriber Relations at Free, one of France’s leading internet service providers, and is a prominent member of the executive committee of Iliad, the holding company that controls Free and its subsidiaries.
After obtaining a university degree in technology with a focus on marketing techniques, Gérard began her career at France Télécom, where she honed her skills for four years. In 1999, at the young age of 23, she was recruited by Xavier Niel to join Iliad, which at the time was a burgeoning company with just fifteen employees. Her early involvement in the organization laid the groundwork for a remarkable career characterized by growth and transformation.
From 2000 onwards, Gérard has been at the helm of several subsidiaries of Iliad, including Centrapel, which she has led since its inception. She has also served as CEO of Total Call, Resolution Call, Equaline, Certicall, Mobipel, and Qualipel. Her strategic vision facilitated the successful integration of resources following the acquisition of Alice, another telecommunications operator, in 2008. Under her guidance, these companies flourished, enhancing customer service operations and expanding their workforce to meet the growing demands of the market.
Despite her successes, Gérard’s career has been marked by controversy. She has faced criticism related to labor practices and employee treatment within her companies. Reports of alleged anti-union repression and management challenges have painted a complex portrait of her leadership style. Nevertheless, she remains a powerful figure in the industry, earning accolades such as being named one of the “100 Economic Leaders of Tomorrow” by the Institut Choiseul in 2013 and receiving the 2016 Digital Woman Prize.
In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Gérard is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership in technology and entrepreneurship. She is actively involved in supporting young entrepreneurs and is a shareholder in various youth-led startups. Her commitment to fostering innovation among women has earned her recognition as one of the top business angels in France.
Gérard is also an accomplished author, having written books like “For the End of Sexism – Feminism in the Post #Metoo Era” and “The Customer Experience, A Story of Emotions.” These works reflect her dedication to addressing social issues and enhancing customer relations within the tech industry.
In recognition of her contributions to business and society, Gérard has received numerous honors, including the insignia of Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2017. She serves on various boards, including the supervisory board of Europcar, and is the honorary chairwoman of the Association of Free’s Users (AdUF).
As a graduate of INSEAD and the Ecole des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC), Angélique Gérard embodies the fusion of academic excellence and practical leadership. Her journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges, continues to inspire the next generation of leaders in telecommunications and beyond.
