Chicago (July 30, 2015) — Perceva, the private equity fund that holds a majority stake in BPI group, has announced top global management appointments at the consulting firm, which specializes in human resources support for business transformations. Sabine Lochmann, previously Managing Director, has been named President of the Management Board, and Christophe Richarme, previously the firm’s CFO, becomes Managing Director.
Jean-Louis Grevet, Chairman of Perceva, said: “BPI group has achieved sustainable positioning, generating revenues of 65 million euros. The appointments of Sabine Lochmann and Christophe Richarme, both already members of the firm’s global Executive Committee, mark a new stage in the group’s growth in human resources consulting in France and other countries. Their in-depth knowledge of the company’s teams, customers and markets, coupled with strong expertise in economic, social and political contexts, will drive BPI group’s momentum moving forward.”
Founded in 1984, BPI group is a pioneering HR consultancy and a leading advisor on human resources issues, particularly during business transformations. With 1,500 employees worldwide, BPI group has revenues of 65 million euros and aims to achieve significant growth in the years ahead. The firm’s North American headquarters are located in Chicago.
Lochmann, said: “We have tremendous assets to accelerate our expansion, notably expert teams covering our different geographies, top-tier partnerships, a dynamic and innovative international network and a trailblazing position in the digital transformation of businesses, initiated very early by teams led by the group’s founder, Bernard Paoli. These assets will allow us to thrive in the HR consulting arena, which is challenging, but harbors exciting opportunities for growth.”
Richarme commented: “Our core positioning, which centers on helping people and companies navigate change, is extremely robust and our expertise is widely recognized. We aim to build on this foundation to develop our services and address the full array of human resources challenges.”
Executive Profiles
Sabine Lochmann, 49, completed legal studies in both France and the United States, earning degrees from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and University of California, Davis (LLB in business law). She is also a graduate of an Executive Leadership Program in South Africa (University of Cape Town). She began her career as an attorney, working in the services industry with Jacobs Serete before joining JC Decaux. She joined Johnson & Johnson France in 1998 as head of legal affairs. In 2008 she changed her career focus within the healthcare group, becoming Marketing Director and subsequently Market Access General Manager in 2010. In 2012 she was named General Manager for Strategic Projects and Governmental Affairs. Early in her career she became involved with the French corporate counsel association AFJE, serving as president of the organization for a four-year term starting in 2001. From 2003 to 2006, she was also vice-chair of the European corporate lawyers association (ECLA).
Sabine Lochmann founded several think tanks, including one dedicated to women’s health in 2011 (Avenir Femmes Santé) and a second in January 2012, Les Ateliers de la Convergence, bringing together business leaders, labor organizations and HR specialists to address competitiveness, employment and legal protection issues. In 2013 she became an independent director on the board of Supersonic Imagine, a medical imaging company listed on the Euronext exchange.
Sabine Lochmann joined BPI group in January 2014 as Managing Director, with responsibility for leading the development of the group’s sales activities and operations in France and other countries.
Christophe Richarme, 41, is a graduate of the ESLSCA business school and holds a graduate degree in accounting and finance. In 2012 he completed an Executive MBA at the IAE Aix Graduate School of Management.
He began his career in 1998 as financial auditor at PWC, working mainly in the retailing and consumer goods sectors. In 2005 he joined Atmel Corporation, a U.S. firm specialized in the design and manufacturing of electronic components, where he was head of management control and accounting for the Atmel Rousset subsidiary. He was subsequently promoted to financial controller for the group’s manufacturing activities in Europe. In 2010 he was named chief financial officer of LFoundry Rousset following the takeover of Atmel Rousset’s production site by the LFoundry group, playing a central role in redefining strategic markets and optimizing work methods.
Christophe Richarme became Chief Financial Officer of BPI group in September 2014, leading multiple cross-enterprise initiatives in conjunction with group management to support project and commercial teams and execute the group’s transformation.