Denis Hennequin

Denis Hennequin (born June 8, 1958) is a French businessman, entrepreneur and administrator, including a non-executive director for John Lewis^[1] and Eurostar.^[2]

Denis Hennequin
Denis Hennequin, September 2011
Born	(1958-06-08) June 8, 1958

Education

In 1984, Hennequin graduated from law school. He earned a Bachelor's degree in economics and a Master's degree in Private International and Social Law from Panthéon-Assas University.^[3]

Career

McDonald's

In 1984, Hennequin began his career at McDonald’s as Assistant Director of a Paris-based restaurant. After becoming Restaurant Manager, he moved on to numerous positions within the organization including Training & Recruitment Consultant, Field Service Consultant, Director of Franchising, Director of Operations and Regional Manager for Paris and surrounding suburbs.^[4]

In 1996, he became President and Managing Director of McDonald’s France at a time when McDonald’s in France was perceived as a symbol of globalization’s negative effects.^[5] To counter this sentiment, Hennequin launched a successful “Born in the USA, made in France” public relations campaign, proclaiming that the franchises are French-owned, employ French people and use 80% French-produced products. He also dedicated resources into re-imaging 70% of the branches in France to better integrate the fast-food chain into the European context, incorporating hardwood floors, upholstery seating, attractive facades and even gas fireplaces.^[6] From July 2005 to November 30, 2010, he served as President of McDonald's Europe Limited and was responsible for 6,600 restaurants in 40 countries.^[7] He is the first non-American to hold the job of president of McDonald's Europe since the company’s European implantation in 1971.^[8] By 2007, France became the highest grossing market for McDonalds after the USA.^[9]

Accor

He joined the Accor Board as its Independent Director in May 2009 and became Executive Director of Accor SA in December 2010 before assuming the role of CEO in January 2011. ^[10] In September 2011, Hennequin unveiled plans to dynamize Accor’s economy brands and introduced the Group’s new signature “Open New Frontiers in Hospitality”.^[11] He stepped down as CEO on April 23, 2013.^[12]

Private Life

Hennequin lists motorcycles and rock music as his hobbies. He has a wife and three children who perform covers of the Rolling Stone as a family band.^[13]

References