Mr Mandil took up the post on 1 February 2003, and has more than 30 years’ experience in energy policy. A graduate of France’s École Polytechnique and École des Mines, Mr Mandil was instrumental in France’s joining the IEA in 1991, while serving as director general for energy and raw materials in the French ministry of industry.

Mr Mandil was chairman of the IEA governing board from October 1997 to October 1998, when he was named managing director of Gaz de France. He held that post until being named chairman and chief executive officer of the Institut Français du Pétrole in April 2000.

©OECD Observer No 236, March 2003