French LNG containment system designer GTT has appointed Jean-Baptiste Choimet as its new chief executive.
Choimet, who is currently a member of GTT’s executive committee and managing director of its electrolyser manufacturing subsidiary, Elogen, will take up the position on 12 June.
GTT said the decision on its new chief was taken today, unanimously, by its board of directors and is the “culmination of a rigorous selection process”, led by its appointments and remuneration committee.
The company said: “So that GTT can continue to benefit from the experience and commitment of Philippe Berterottiere to the success of the group, the board of directors will renew the latter in his role as chairman of the board of directors for the remaining period of his term of office as director.”
Berterottiere has headed up the company since 2009.
The company said in February 2022 that it would be splitting its CEO and chairman roles.
Choimet began his career at EDF, where he participated in the development of the Dunkirk LNG terminal project.
He worked at Societe Generale, helping launch its gas and power trading operations in Europe and setting up an LNG trading desk.
The incoming CEO has also worked with Technip on large liquefaction projects in Australia and Russia.
Choimet said: “I look forward to working with all the teams of the GTT group and to being supported in this great mission by Philippe Berterottiere, with whom I have worked in trust for more than three years. I approach this new role with enthusiasm,” he said.
“I will be keen to mobilise the teams to continue and accelerate the evolution of the GTT group towards the technologies the world will need in the coming decades.”
Catherine Ronge, chair of GTT’s nominations and remuneration committee and independent director said the committee had reviewed several “high-quality applications” for the CEO position.
“The managerial and professional skills, particularly in the key areas of LNG and hydrogen, the personal qualities and achievements of Jean-Baptiste Choimet in the general management of Elogen were assessed by the board as particularly in line with GTT’s requirements and the group’s development strategy,” she said.
Berterottiere said: “I am proud of the ambitious development strategy pursued by the GTT group, both in its core business, in its adjacent businesses and in its new markets.”
He said the company had been able to “initiate an in-depth transformation to support its clients in facing their future challenges”.
“Since 2020, Jean-Baptiste Choimet has demonstrated his determination, his visionary capacity and his unfailing energy to make Elogen a leading technological player in the green hydrogen value chain,” Berterottiere said.
“Together, we share the same passion for technology and innovation, as well as a strong attachment to the GTT group, which I will be proud to continue to serve, alongside him, in my role as president.”
