Christophe de Margerie

Date of Birth: August 6, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 20, 2014

Biography

Christophe de Margerie was a prominent French businessman known for his tenure as the CEO and Chairman of Total S.A., one of the largest oil companies in the world. Born into a distinguished family with deep roots in French industry and finance, de Margerie had an influential career marked by his strategic vision and charismatic leadership. He joined Total in 1974, starting in the finance department. Over the years, his expertise and leadership skills saw him rise through the ranks. He became a member of the executive committee in 1999, overseeing the company’s exploration and production activities. In 2007, de Margerie was appointed CEO of Total, and in 2010, he also took on the role of Chairman. Under his leadership, Total expanded its global footprint and diversified its energy portfolio, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy sources. De Margerie was not only known for his business acumen but also for his outspoken views on the global energy landscape. He advocated for constructive dialogue with oil-producing nations and was a strong proponent of reducing Europe’s dependency on Middle Eastern oil through diversified energy partnerships. His sudden death in 2014 was a significant loss to the global business community.

5 Interesting Facts about Christophe de Margerie

1. Christophe de Margerie was affectionately nicknamed “Big Moustache” due to his distinctive facial hair.

2. He was educated at the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce in Paris, one of France’s leading business schools.

3. De Margerie was a key player in negotiating major oil deals with countries like Russia, Iran, and Libya, often navigating complex political landscapes.

4. He was a vocal critic of sanctions against Russia, arguing that they were ineffective and counterproductive.

5. In 2010, he was awarded the title of Officer of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest order of merit, for his services to the nation and the industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Christophe de Margerie

1. “We have to be realistic. Oil is still going to be needed for decades to come.”

2. “Sanctions are not the answer. Dialogue is the way to resolve differences.”

3. “Sustainability is not just about environmental responsibility; it’s also about ensuring economic and social stability.”

4. “Energy security requires cooperation, not confrontation.”

5. “Total is committed to exploring new frontiers in energy, including renewables, to meet the world’s growing needs.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Christophe de Margerie’s net worth was estimated to be around $30 million.

Children

Christophe de Margerie had three children: two sons and one daughter. He was known to be very private about his personal life, so details about his children are not widely publicized.