Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
    • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Europe Leading Women
September 04, 2016 01:00 AM

Marie-Francoise Damesin

  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Name: Marie-Francoise Damesin Title: Executive vice president human resources; member of the executive committee Company: Renault Location: Boulogne-Billancourt, France Age: 59 Family: Husband; two sons ages 27 and 25; daughter, 23 Born:Chambery, France Nationality: French Languages: French, English, Spanish Education: Post-graduate degree in management methods, Paris-Dauphine University, Paris, France; diploma from ESSEC Business School, Paris

     What attracted you to the auto industry?

    The chance to work on products that are used by millions of people every day and are an important part of their lives. It’s a dynamic environment, constantly changing, with new innovation that positively impact society.

    First automotive job:

    I joined Renault in March 1984 as an internal consultant. My first job was in the marketing and sales division where I worked on sales organization and aftersales parts delivery.

    What was your big break?

    When I was offered the human resources vice president position at Nissan Europe in Amsterdam in 2001. That showed me the company trusted me to take on a big challenge. I was the first female human resources executive from Renault to work at Nissan.

    What major challenge have you faced in your career?

    To balance work and family life. It’s very important for me that young women are aware that family life is compatible with a good career. At Renault and Nissan we believe that diversity is an asset for the company and that we must seriously work on it both internally and externally with partners to get tangible results. It is about changing culture, changing the way societies work. There’s a lot to do.

    Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

    My family has always given me incredible support. Within Renault, Carlos Ghosn’s support was essential for me to carry out changes. He is convinced that gender diversity is essential for competitiveness and performance in the auto industry. In 10 years, the number of women working within the company has doubled. Diversity will continue to be a priority at both Renault and Nissan. We give the same advancement opportunities to everyone at both companies regardless of gender, age or nationality. We try to enable people to give their best.

    What should be done to encourage women to enter the auto industry?

    First of all, we need to communicate that the automotive world is not just for men. I would tell young women that we have high-tech products with attractive designs. We are also committed to sustainability and we are constantly innovating to change people’s lives for the better. There are rich career opportunities for women within Renault and Nissan. We track women’s potential and we are careful to check that we don’t miss any opportunity. So, young ladies, get on board.

    What’s your favorite weekend activity?

    I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading books from all over the world and walking through Paris and its surrounding areas. I also love to explore Tokyo when I’m there for Nissan.

    What keeps you awake at night?

    Nothing. I travel a lot, and I sleep very well.

    Name one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.

    After my first work experience I backpacked around the world to visit places such as Afghanistan and China. My time in China coincided with the first year the Chinese borders were open to individual travelers. I got to live in Cameroon and travel in Africa when I was a child. It was a great experience that influenced my passion for people and diversity.

    If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

    Marie Curie, who was a great scientist who received two Nobel prizes in two different areas. She was truly ahead of her time.

    If I had it to do all over again, I would ...

    Create a startup company. I am impressed with young people creating new businesses, working hard and having fun. That’s the future.

    When and where was your last vacation?

    It was this year in Japan, where I travel a lot for work. I discovered Kyushu Island and got to understand the history of the island. It was the entry point for foreigners for many years in order to see the volcanoes and enjoy the Japanese way of life.

    Name one talent you wish you had.

    To be a talented painter, like my sister.

    Best advice you’ve ever received?

    It’s not really advice, but the education I received.

    What advice would you give your child?

    Do what you want but do it well. Never give up, life is full of opportunities.

    If you were a car, what car would you be?

    I would be a Renault Espace. It’s an elegant car that is a pleasure to drive and features ingenious, high-tech features. At the same time, it offers comfort and a warm interior to travel in with my family. It’s the perfect mix for me. 

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Tina Mueller
    Recommended for You
    Tina Mueller
    Tina Mueller
    Helena Bergstroem Pilo
    Helena Bergstroem Pilo
    Hildegard Wortmann
    Hildegard Wortmann
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
        • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us