Ponant appoints Patrick Augier as general secretary

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Patrick Augier will oversee research & development and academic science, corporate social responsibility, strategy and newbuild projects, and institutional relations
Ponant tapped a seasoned naval officer, Patrick Augier, as general secretary, succeeding Charles Gravatte.

Gravatte is leaving after nine years of leading strategic projects including newbuilds and corporate social responsibility.

Will oversee four teams

Augier, who starts March 1, will serve on the Executive Committee and oversee strategic development for four teams: research & development and academic science, corporate social responsibility, strategy and newbuild projects, and institutional relations. 

Naval commander, advisor to the prime minister

Augier has sailed around the world as a nuclear engineer then chief engineer on nuclear attack submarines as well as the captain of ships. He was the last to command the Jeanne d’Arc helicopter carrier.

He then served as an advisor to the prime minister, overseeing France’s maritime policy from 2013 to 2019. As vice admiral, he commanded Marseille’s marine fire department during the COVID-19 health crisis, introducing many innovative solutions.

'The commitment that defines our values, and is at the heart of our strategy, is to offer customers inspiring, meaningful voyages,' said Hervé Gastinel, CEO, Ponant. He welcomed Augier, 'whose exceptional understanding of our sector and maritime issues will help us combine innovation, excellence and respect for the planet to put at the service of our guests.'