Value Proposition
Jerome is an executive manager specializing in R&D and Innovation, with a keen focus on the low carbon energy sector, clean tech, and climate tech. His primary role is to bring SMBs proven R&D operations expertise to fill the gaps within their organization, drive performance and empower management to continue to grow, long after the mandate ends. He’s known for providing a mobilizing vision and executing meticulously. His leadership has led to several successful transformations, impacting businesses and people, and generating outcomes worth tens of millions of dollars. What distinguishes Jerome is his proficiency in navigating extremely complex environments. His diverse background in scientific and technological fields, combined with his experience in team management and R&D project portfolios, allows him to significantly contribute to his clients’ growth. He excels in turning around dysfunctional organizations and developing new activities, teams, and processes centered around innovative technologies. Additionally, Jerome is adept at leading complex strategic initiatives that involve multiple partners. Jerome’s unique ability to bridge business and technology challenges has earned him several Board appointments. His approach not only revitalizes organizations but also drives substantial growth and innovation.
- Repositioned AREVA’s hydrogen activities from scattered R&D pursuits to innovative energy storage product development, resulting in global first with a grid-connected unit, worldwide brand awareness and initial sales.
- Played a pivotal role in the inception and initial phases of various startups such as McPhy and AREVA H2 Gen. These companies, with a collective infusion of additional investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, are currently advancing and commercializing cutting-edge clean energy technologies.
- Turned around capability of a large multidisciplinary team of a major nuclear R&D program to successfully complete crucial demonstration tests. This has been a significant contribution to the overall final success of this two-decade long flagship program for the research agency.
- Built a large-scale green hydrogen production project opportunities pipeline in Canada as fractional project developer for a German company, generating the first revenues and contributing to the closure of a €200 million investment round.
- Implemented a comprehensive restructuring of a team workflows, transitioning to a collaborative mode, and crafted a new strategic direction for a simulation software company. This initiative resulted in a 40% increase in sales within a 15-month period and facilitated the handover of the role to an internally developed CEO, six months ahead of schedule.
- Pyonnier Development & Climicals: Founding CEO (2017 – Present)
- Hydro-Québec: Senior Director – Hydro-Québec Research Institute (IREQ) (2015 – 2017)
- AREVA Energy Storage: President and CEO (2011 – 2014)
- AREVA Renewables: Vice President, Engineering and Innovation (2009 – 2011)
- AREVA Group: Deputy to Vice President, Research and Innovation (2007 – 2009)
- Mines ParisTech: Director, Center for Energy and Processes (2004 – 2007)
- French Atomic Energy Commission: Research Engineer and Lab Manager (1996 – 2003)
- Ph.D. in Plasma Physics – École Polytechnique, France
- Master of Science in Engineering (Equivalent) – École Polytechnique, France
- Engineering Degree – Mines ParisTech (Corps des Mines), France
- LEAD method for sales; value proposition and sales plan development – Halifax Celsius
- Inclusive Leadership – MOOC certified by EdX
- Volunteer Appreciation Team Member for United Way Greater Montreal since 2017.
- ~5 appraisal visits per year to community organizations, regularly involved in the cases of organizations presenting difficulties.
- -Strategic and operational recommendations to United Way’s managers.