From 1981 to 1986, he chaired the main French employers' organization and ancestor of Medef, the National Council of French Employers (CNPF). Yvon Gattaz died at the age of 99, his family announced to AFP on Thursday December 12. He died “this night, surrounded by his family”said those close to him. Yvon Gattaz was the father of three children including Pierre Gattaz, president of Medef from 2013 to 2018.
Born June 17, 1925 in Bourgoin (Isère), in a family where he had no “never heard the word business”Yvon Gattaz first founded, with his brother Lucien, the company Radiall, manufacturing electronic components for aeronautics, of which his son Pierre is today manager. Radiall has a factory in Château-Renault (Indre-et-Loire).
A relationship of trust with Mitterrand
As president of the CNPF, he will be remembered as the boss of bosses during the shock of the arrival of the left to power in 1981, a supporter of “economic cohabitation” with François Mitterrand. At the head of the ancestor of the current Medef, this child of a family of provincial teachers, from central France, who was initially not destined for the company, quickly established dialogue and even a relationship of trust with the socialist president.
“Yvon Gattaz dedicated his life to promoting entrepreneurship, human, ethical management open to younger generations”declared his son Pierre Gattaz. “Convinced that entrepreneurship is a determining factor in the economic and social future, he has worked tirelessly to encourage young people to create, innovate and assume their responsibilities in a changing world”he added. Yvon Gattaz also created the Ethic employers' movement, today led by Sophie de Menthon.
“His funeral will be celebrated soon”the information will be communicated later, specified Pierre Gattaz.
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