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Mecachrome has announced the appointment of Thierry Francou as President, effective January 1, 2027. He will succeed Christian Cornille, who will take on the role of Chairman of the Group’s Supervisory Board.

Operating across the aerospace, defense, space, energy and naval sectors, Mecachrome specializes in the design and manufacture of high-precision components and assemblies. The Group reported consolidated revenue of €670 million in 2025.

Backed by the Group’s key shareholders, Tikehau Capital and Bpifrance, Thierry Francou’s appointment reflects Mecachrome’s ambition to strengthen its position in high-precision machining and complex assemblies, while maintaining its commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. The Group aims to build on its presence in civil aerospace while accelerating growth in the defense and space sectors.

Thierry Francou brings to Mecachrome extensive industrial leadership experience in strategic sectors, particularly defense and space. As Chairman and CEO of Eurenco since 2019, he has led a major transformation of the company, driving investments across France and Europe to expand production capacity, secure supply chains and strengthen industrial sovereignty. He has also accelerated the company’s growth through acquisitions, including Manuco and Thiot Ingénierie, as well as strategic partnerships with major defense industry players. Prior to joining Eurenco, he held several senior leadership positions at ArianeGroup and Safran.

Since joining Mecachrome in 2019, Christian Cornille has led a far-reaching transformation of the Group alongside its teams. He has strengthened its organization, industrial and financial performance, reinforced the trust of its major customers, and driven a strategic acquisition-led growth strategy, notably through the merger with WeAre in 2022. The Group extends its sincere thanks to him for his dedication and contribution to Mecachrome’s development.

In his new role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Christian Cornille will continue to support Mecachrome, helping shape its long-term strategic direction and drive sustainable value creation. He will succeed Stéphane Mayer, whom Mecachrome thanks for his contribution as Chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2024. Stéphane Mayer himself succeeded Didier Evrard, both of whom have played a significant role in the Group’s development.

Having played a key role in the Group’s development, Pascal Farella has decided to step back from executive responsibilities to focus on his personal priorities. He will continue to support Mecachrome in an advisory capacity, working closely with the teams to ensure a smooth transition and contribute to the Group’s next phase of development.

« Since 2019, the Mecachrome Group and its employees have demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment in navigating successive crises and transforming the business. I would particularly like to recognize the dedication of Pascal Farella, with whom I have helped build a European leader in high-precision machining, underpinned by strong industrial and financial foundations. At this moment, my thoughts go to every employee across the Group who has been part of this demanding journey. I am therefore delighted to continue supporting Mecachrome, in a new capacity, as a major industrial player in the aerospace and defense sectors.» said Christian Cornille.

« I am delighted to be joining Mecachrome, a leading industrial group with outstanding expertise, talented teams and a strong market position. The achievements of Christian Cornille and the entire team provide a solid foundation for the future. At a time when industrial sovereignty, reindustrialization and production ramp-up are key priorities, our ambition will be to accelerate the Group’s growth, particularly in the defense and space sectors, while maintaining our commitment to operational excellence and delivering the highest standards for our customers. » said Thierry Francou.

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