French businessman Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux has been appointed as the head of the organising committee for the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The announcement was made after an extraordinary general meeting held in Décines-Charpieu, near Lyon, on Thursday. Roux de Bézieux, 64, will officially begin his new role on 2 November. He succeeds former Olympic champion Edgar Grospiron, who resigned on 10 September.
Roux de Bézieux has a strong background in business and sports. Until July 2023, he was the head of Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF). He has since been involved in his own business ventures and has been advising the organising committee on wages and staffing costs since April. The organising committee praised Roux de Bézieux’s skill in dialogue and understanding of local communities, business, and sport as vital for successfully delivering the upcoming Games.
Roux de Bézieux has previously been involved in Olympic preparations. He represented the business sector on the board of directors for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As a keen cyclist and triathlete, he is well-versed in the world of sports. His experience during the Olympic fortnight of Paris 2024 was described as "magical," and he hopes to recreate that for the people of France in 2030.
The outgoing president, Edgar Grospiron, faced challenges during his tenure. He took over the organising committee in February 2025 but encountered conflicts over his management style and issues with local politicians regarding the committee’s headquarters location. Following his departure, several high-ranking officials, including chief executive Cyril Linette, also resigned.
The appointment of Roux de Bézieux comes at a time when France is celebrating its recent Olympic successes. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, French athletes performed well, winning eight gold medals out of a total of 23 medals. Quentin Fillon Maillet became France’s most decorated Olympian, increasing his medal tally to nine.
Roux de Bézieux expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying it’s "the job of a lifetime." He is committed to delivering a successful Games in 2030. With his experience in business and sports, he is well-positioned to lead the organising committee.
The 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to be a significant event for France. The organising committee will face challenges in the lead-up to the Games, but with Roux de Bézieux at the helm, they will aim to deliver a successful and memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Key points
- Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux appointed head of 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee
- Roux de Bézieux succeeds Edgar Grospiron, who resigned on 10 September
- Roux de Bézieux brings experience in business and sports to the role, having advised the organising committee since April
