New leadership at the helm of the Wichard Groupe
by Wichard 2 Apr 15:38 BST
New leadership at the helm of the Wichard Groupe © Wichard
Jean-Claude Ibos stepped down as the head of the Wichard Groupe and retired. To mark the occasion, his colleagues organized a surprise event to pay tribute to the man who had been their "Captain" for two decades.
Jean-Claude Ibos joined Wichard, already recognized for its expertise in the nautical industry, in 1998 as Chief Financial Officer before taking over as Groupe President in 2006. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth through several strategic acquisitions, including Sparcraft and Facnor in 2013, Lorima and Peguet in 2018, Courant in 2022, and Ronstan, Andersen, and Axxon in 2023.
Today, the Wichard Groupe comprises 13 manufacturing facilities (including 8 in France) and 3 strategic platforms across France, Denmark, Romania, the United States, Australia, and Indonesia, employing 650 people worldwide. Recognized as a leading supplier in the nautical and industrial sectors, the Groupe offers a comprehensive range of products, including carbon and aluminum masts, furlers, winches, tracks, and deck hardware, as well as specialized lines for industrial and safety at-height markets, such as ropes, PPE, and connectors.
A smooth transition
Jean-Claude Ibos' departure had been planned two years in advance, allowing for a well-structured transition. He will remain involved as a member of the Supervisory Board and a shareholder.
As of April 1, Fabrice Didden has assumed the role of President of the Wichard Groupe, with Éric Herbault taking over as Chief Executive Officer. Having joined the Groupe in 2015, Fabrice Didden gained the trust of the former president by successfully revitalizing Sparcraft. He was subsequently entrusted with overseeing industrial operations, leading external growth projects, and eventually taking on the role of CEO. Éric Herbault, with his extensive experience in managing industrial entities and a strong international background in business development, will play a key role in driving the Groupe's expansion.
Statements from the Leadership. Both leaders take pride in the Groupe's heritage and ambitious future
"The story, of course, does not end here—that is one of our Groupe's greatest strengths. Our brands, the legacy of our companies, and their DNA form the backbone of our operations and must endure over time. As individuals, we contribute to this evolution, ensuring that our companies continue to thrive without being reliant on just a few people. This is, in a way, a moral duty—both to our predecessors and to those who will carry the adventure forward." Jean-Claude-IBOS
"Since I joined in 2015, we have built a strong relationship based on trust and shared values: teamwork, collaboration, discipline, excellence, respect, and a positive work environment. With a strengthened governance structure, including Erwan Godart leading Wichard, alongside Romain Poirier and Éric Herbault at the helm of the Groupe, supported by our dedicated teams, we will continue to pursue excellence, innovation, and social responsibility." - Fabrice Didden.