Paul Mourier: The Man at the Helm of Côte-d’Or
In a move that sent ripples through the bureaucratic pond, Paul Mourier has been named the new prefect of Côte-d’Or, succeeding the much-loved Franck Robine. Now, if you’re anything like me, hearing the word “prefect” instantly conjures up images of stern schoolmasters armed with a ruler, but I assure you, Mourier is far from that austere figure!
A Quick Dip into the Past
Born on December 4, 1958, in the picturesque town of Versailles (you know, the place with the cake?), Mourier has quite the illustrious background! He graduated with a law degree and boasts an MBA from HEC, which is basically like having a golden ticket in the world of French bureaucracy. And let’s face it, a law degree in France probably gets you a few more pastries on your dinner plate!
Career – A Wikipedia Adventure!
His career reads like a thrilling adventure novel, featuring a diverse cast of political players. Who could forget that he’s worked closely with Michel Barnier—notable for his roles not just in French politics but the whole Brexit debacle? They go way back to the Department of Savoie, where they prepped for the Winter Olympic Games in Albertville. Yes, folks, if you’re looking for a man well-versed in both governance and gliding down snowy slopes, look no further!
The Rise of Mourier
Post-Olympics, Mourier bounced around various positions: from chief of staff to regional director, and intricacies in local governance like a well-rehearsed ballet. He’s had the unique honor of being prefect in various regions—a very impressive game of musical chairs across France! Each region a different flavor, much like how you’d describe your next meal at an all-you-can-eat buffet. What’s next? A prefect in a fine wine cellar, perhaps?
Transition with a Hint of Sadness
As Franck Robine packs his bags (hopefully remembering to leave the office snacks!), he departs with “a real sadness in his heart.” Now, that’s noble! Who knew leaving a bureaucratic position had emotional weight? But Mourier seems primed to take on this new chapter. And we do love a bit of drama, don’t we? After all, just the other day I was watching a soap opera about office supplies and it was riveting!
The Future’s Looking Bright
With the decision officially made by the Council of Ministers and backed by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, Mourier is set to make waves—or at least a ripple—that reaches all the way from Côte-d’Or to the peaks of the Alps. If he can manage to juggle his new responsibilities and still find time for a ski trip, we’ll have a true champion on our hands!
Conclusion: Could This Be the Change We Need?
In a nutshell (or perhaps a lovely wine glass), Mourier’s appointment might just be the fresh perspective the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region needs. With a unique mix of experience, knowledge, and, let’s face it, a potentially stellar collection of winter sports anecdotes, he’s poised to lead us into a dazzling new era. Here’s hoping he brings a little bit of that Olympic charm to the prefecture—after all, who wouldn’t want to be governed by someone who knows how to make a good snow angel?
JCT
In the past, Paul Mourier worked with Michel Barnier and Christian Estrosi. He succeeds Franck Robine.
The decision was taken in the Council of Ministers, this Thursday, October 10, 2024, and made official by a publication in the Official Journal: Paul Mourier succeeds Franck Robine as prefect of Côte-d’Or and prefect of the Bourgogne-Franche region -County.
His appointment was made by the President of the Republic on the proposal of the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau, whose chief of staff is Franck Robine. He will take office soon.
From HEC profile, the senior prefect Paul Mourier knows Prime Minister Michel Barnier well since he was his chief of staff in the Department of Savoie and participated in the preparation of the Winter Olympic Games in Albertville which took place in 1992. He also worked with Christian Estrosi when he was director general of services for the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, from 2016 to 2018.
Background Born on December 4, 1958 in Versailles (Yvelines)
Law degree and MBA-HEC executive diploma
Chief of staff of Michel Barnier at the presidency of the general council of Savoie, administrative director, then secretary general of the Organizing Committee of the Albertville Olympic Games (1987-1992)
Deputy chief of staff to Maurice Dousset, president of the Center Region (1992-1994)
Secretary general of the Pôle image Magelis joint union in Angoulême (1994-2002)
Director General of Services of the Department of Charente (2003)
Advisor to the Delegation for Territorial Planning and Regional Action (2004)
Prefect of Lozère (2005-2007), Cantal (2007-2010) and Var (2010-2012)
Senior prefect since 2012
Interministerial delegate for major sporting events (2013)
Director General of Services of the Department of Haute-Savoie (2013-2016)
Director General of Services for the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur Region (2016-2018)
Director General of Greater Paris Metropolis Services (2018-2024)
JCT
Prefect Franck Robine leaves Burgundy-Franche-Comté with “a real sadness in his heart”
