Henri Lachmann
2013 Gala Honoree, Recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award
The French-American Foundation will honor Henri Lachmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schneider Electric SA, as a 2013 co-recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award. The Benjamin Franklin Award is presented by the French-American Foundation to an individual or organization that has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the French-American relationship.
Mr. Henri Lachmann is the Chairman of the Schneider Electric Supervisory Board. As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-Residential Building, Data Centers & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company is committed to helping individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
Mr. Lachmann is a graduate of Sarrebruck Lycée and the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales, and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Lachmann began his career with Arthur Andersen where he served as an auditor and managed the Accounting Revision Department. He later joined Pompey Company, renamed Strafor-Facom where he served for several years as Plant Director, General Manager, and in 1981 was named Chairman and CEO. Mr. Lachmann served as Chairman of the Board of Schneider Electric in 1996, and was named Chairman and CEO in 1999.
In addition to his activities with Schneider Electric, Mr. Lachmann is very involved in the business community. He serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VIVENDI, Member of the Supervisory Board of Group Norbert Dentressangle, Member of the Board of CARMAT, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Surgical Center Marie Lannelongue, and Chairman of Fondation pour le Droit Continental. He also serves as Vice President and Treasurer of Institut Montaigne, a non- voting Director of FIMALAC, President of Telemaque Fondation, Member of the Board of the Fondation Entreprendre, President of the Advisory Board of Campus of Excellency at the “Commissariat Général à l’Investissement, and is a member of the Steering Committee of the Institut de l’entreprise.
Mr. Lachmann has served as an Officer of the Légion d’Honneur and Officer of Palmes Académiques, Commander of the National Order of Merit, and has received an Order of the Rising Sun Medal, Gold and Silver Star (Japan). He is married, and has two sons and five grandchildren.