François Jacq has been appointed Chairman and CEO of the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), France’s national space agency. The French Council of Ministers confirmed his nomination on May 23, 2025, replacing Philippe Baptiste who departed in January 2025 for a ministerial role.
Jacq transitions from his position as General Administrator of the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), held since 2018, bringing deep expertise in atomic energy, alternative energies, and research leadership. President Emmanuel Macron nominated him in March 2025, with approval following parliamentary review.
During the interim period, Deputy CEO Lionel Suchet led CNES operations. Jacq’s appointment ends months of leadership transition amid France’s pivotal role in European space efforts.
As ESA’s largest contributor with over €1 billion pledged for 2025, France relies on CNES for advancing space research, exploration, and industrial strategy. Jacq’s nuclear and technology background positions him to steer CNES through evolving challenges in sovereignty, innovation, and international partnerships.
His prior roles include President of the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO), enhancing his fit for overseeing CNES’s contributions to satellites, launchers, and scientific missions.