2007 Winners: Marc Levy (Artist), Pascal Aussignac (Chef), Raphael Ibanez (Sportsman), Vincent de Rivaz (Chief Executive), Franck Petitgas (Banker)
Marc Levy
As a French novelist, Marc Levy wrote his first novel Et si c’était vrai in 1998. In 1999, he sold the film rights to Dreamworks. In 2001, he published his second book, Où es-tu?, followed by Sept jours pour une éternité in 2003, La prochaine fois in 2004 and Vous revoir in 2005. In 2005, Dreamworks adapted Et si c’était vrai into a movie. Où es-tu? has been adapted in a mini series for television, and his novel Mes Amis mes Amourswas adapted into a feature film. The combined worldwide sales of his first eight novels, translated in 41 languages, exceeded the 17 million copy mark. Marc Levy is the most read French author in the world. Marc Levy has also written some short stories and directed a short film for Amnesty International.
Pascal Aussignac
Originally from Toulouse, Pascal Aussignac started his extensive career in catering working with two Michelin star Grand Chefs: Gérard Vie from ‘Les Trois Marchés’ in Versailles, Alain Dutournier from ‘Carré des Feuillants’ in Paris, and Guy Savoy. In 1998, he opened a restaurant in London dedicated to South of France cuisine. Strengthened by the success of his restaurant Le Club Gascon, holder of a Michelin star since 2002, Pascal Aussignac and business partner Vincent Labeyrie, opened a wine bar (Cellar Gascon), a bistro (Comptoir Gascon), a second restaurant (Le Cercle) and a luxury fast-food joint (Croque Gascon). His expertise as well as his creativity contributed to the fame of the places he worked for. In 2004, he was awarded Chef of the Year, and Best Restaurant.
Raphael Ibanez
Former captain of the France national team. He began his career in Dax before moving to Perpignan and Castres. He made his debut against Wales in 1996 and went on to win 72 caps for his country, including 27 as captain, before his first retirement from international rugby in 2003. He won successive Grand Slams with France in 1997 and 1998 and led them to the World Cup Final in 1999. In 2005 he moved to Wasps on a two-year deal. Ibañez served as France captain for the 2007 Six Nations. He was also heavily responsible for London Wasps’ win in the 2007 Heineken Cup final. On his 36th birthday, in February 2009, Ibanez announced his retirement from all rugby as a player.
Vincent de Rivaz
An engineer by training, de Rivaz joined EDF in 1977 to build dams in Latin America and Africa. He has stayed at the company ever since, From 1985 to 1991, he managed the group’s Far East division, focusing on China and on the development of nuclear, thermal and hydro-electric generation and transmission projects. From 1991 to 1994, he worked as managing director of EDF’s hydro power department. In 1995, he became deputy head of EDF’s international division. 4 years later, he became deputy chief financial officer. In 2000 he was promoted head of strategy and finance. Since 2002 he is chief executive of EDF Energy. EDF took over British Energy recently and will be leading nuclear redevelopment in Britain over the coming years by building four new reactors.
Franck Petitgas
Franck Petitgas is head of international investment banking at Morgan Stanley in London and a member of Morgan Stanley’s Global Management Committee. Petitgas was made a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley in 1996. He has a distinguished career in investment banking. Born and educated in France, he started his career in the City with SG Warburg & Co Ltd in 1986 and in 1993 joined Morgan Stanley & Co in New York. He enjoyed 4 promotions in 12 months.