A new adventure for Benoit Pactier (*)
1. THE CHALLENGE
The story begins in Paris in September 2017.
A French subsidiary of a world leader in business solutions generates more than €700 million in revenue and employs 25,000 people. Following the arrival of its new CEO in 2013, the company launched a major plan to boost competitiveness and realign France with its corporate standards. After a successful first phase, a second was launched to accelerate the process.
This second phase, however, was implemented too hastily and led to a structural crisis. Although the HR Director in France was supported by a team of lawyers and a Director of Social Relations, they knew they needed the help of a dedicated interim manager specialised in social relations. Indeed, in a service-focused company like this, human capital is central.
2. THE SOLUTION
The interim manager’s background
A graduate of ESSEC, Benoit Pactier began his career as Deputy Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry of the French Overseas Departments and Territories, then as Deputy HR Director at GRANDJOUAN ONYX where he led the creation of a subsidiary following the mergers of several companies as well as important social negotiations. In 2000, he was appointed HR Director at ONYX to manage several major projects including an HR-management software transition, redundancy support agreements, and the implementation of France’s mandatory 35-hour work week.
After a stint at VEOLIA as Deputy Regional Director Centre West, he took over the HR Department of SNCM. During his five years there, he was heavily involved in social relations in a difficult environment supported by a tense social climate. Benoit later specialised in interim management to lead projects focused on Social Relations.
3. THE ACTION
In close collaboration with the French HR department, Benoit Pactier oversaw the full implementation of the social and organisational aspects of the transition:
- Management of a Voluntary Departure Plan
- Travel throughout France to meet stakeholders and streamline cooperation between legal entities
- Total transformation of employee trade bodies
From the start of the mission, WAYDEN closely monitored the project and reported to the various stakeholders regularly. Over the course of this 18-month project, the corporate HR Director was replaced by the CEO.
4. THE RESULT
The company carried out its transformation effectively and,
with the help of WAYDEN interim management, the project was fully aligned with their administrative and social requirements. In fact, despite the complexities, the project went so well that the client wanted to hire Benoit Pactier.
However, as is often the case with interim managers, Benoit preferred to maintain his ‘freedom’ and continue exploring new and exciting horizons. He is currently on a new project as HR Director of a French company specialised in luxury travel and cruises.