AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS
Geoffrey Bouquot,
37
CTO and SVP Strategy , Valeo
What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
I joined Valeo in 2016 as head of strategy. I was fascinated by the automotive sector’s transformation, which is being driven by the potential of new technologies in automation, connectivity and digitalization, as well as the societal transition toward electrification.
Your greatest achievement?
I participated in and promoted the development of our technological roadmaps, which included our such lidar system. I also led Valeo’s R&D network toward the transformation from automotive to mobility as well as helping to accelerate the open-innovation mindset.
Geoffrey Bouquot
Born: Corbeil-Essonnes, France
Nationality: French
Languages: French, English, German, Spanish, basic Chinese
Education: Master’s degree in physics, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France; master’s degree in engineering, Corps des Mines @ Ecole des Mines de Paris, France; executive education certificate for global leadership and public policy, Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
As part of my first transformative project, I came to realize I had underestimated the time required to achieve the mindset shifts required to have a sustainable impact. The timeline had to be adjusted. From this I learned that if you want to impact large communities you need to budget the proper amount of time and you need to be cautious when committing to a deadline.
What is your current challenge at work?
Setting the pace for the industry. To do this we have to make sure our product roadmaps are always smarter, more agile and more efficient.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Be bold and accountable.
Career highlights
2020 to present: Chief technology officer and senior vice president strategy, marketing, innovation, public affairs and sustainability, Valeo, Paris, France
2016–2020: VP strategy, open innovation, public affairs and sustainability, Valeo, Paris
2014–2016: Technical advisor in charge of industry, cabinet of the French Minister of Defense, Paris
2011–2014: Porfolio manager, aeronautics and defense, Agence des Participations de l’Etat, Paris
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
Be data-centric and focused on gemba, which is the Japanese word for being in the present and where things happen. Real, concrete projects matter the most.
What job do you really want to have in the future?
I want a position where I can continue to drive change and make an impact in the automotive sector. I also want to continue to learn.
What do you do to relax?
I like to cook for my family and friends.
What is your dream location to live?
The road matters more to me than the destination. I would love to be able to continue traveling and meet new people as well as explore new places.
What is your favorite driving song?
The song “Blinding Lights” from The Weeknd.
What was your favorite road trip and why?
My friends and I spent six weeks over the summer driving from San Diego, California, to Missoula, Montana. It was an amazing experience. We saw incredible landscapes and met wonderful people. To us, this car tour signified true freedom.
What was your first car?
I drove an Austin Mini 2.
Current car?
It is a Tesla Model S.
If you were a car, which one would you be?
It would be a car equipped with all of Valeo’s latest technologies. This would include an EV powertrain featuring our thermal heat pump and thermal battery management; state-of-the-art front and rear lighting systems; sustainable wipers; an intuitive “one-click” human-machine interface for the interior; and Level 3 autonomous driving capability.