Chairman & CEO TotalEnergies
Patrick Pouyanné’s career has been marked by a blend of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and a commitment to adapting to the dynamic global energy environment. Through his leadership, TotalEnergies has navigated challenges and positioned itself as a forward-thinking entity in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. He is a prominent figure in the global energy industry, serving as Chairman since 2015 and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TotalEnergies since 2014.
Between 1989 and 1996, he held various administrative positions within the French Ministry of Industry and other governmental departments, including serving as a technical advisor to Prime Minister Édouard Balladur on environmental and industrial matters from 1993 to 1995, and as Chief of Staff to the Minister for Information and Aerospace Technologies, François Fillon, from 1995 to 1996.
In January 1997, Pouyanné joined TotalEnergies (formerly Total), where he embarked on a series of leadership roles that showcased his strategic vision and operational expertise. He served as General Secretary for TotalEnergies’ Angolan subsidiary and later managed the company’s exploration and production operations in Qatar, demonstrating his capability in overseeing complex international energy projects.
By 2006, Pouyanné had risen to Senior Vice President positions overseeing Finance, Economics, Information Systems, Strategy, Business Development, and Research & Development within the Exploration & Production sector. His leadership extended to the Refining & Chemicals division, where he was appointed President in 2012 and became a member of the Executive Committee.
Recognising the global shift towards sustainable energy, Pouyanné spearheaded TotalEnergies’ diversification into electricity and renewable energy sources. The company has invested heavily in solar and wind power, as well as in combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants and batteries, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Reflecting a commitment to a broader energy portfolio beyond traditional oil and gas, Pouyanné led the rebranding of the company to TotalEnergies, signalling a strategic pivot towards a more sustainable future.