François, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

What’s your role at Sowen, and what does it involve?

I’m the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). That means I work on a wide range of topics: finance, cash flow, budgeting, but also HR, legal, IT, and general services… In short, all those behind-the-scenes essentials that you may not notice day to day, but that are key to keeping the company running smoothly. To sum it up, I make sure the framework that allows Soweners to thrive is solid and reliable.

Your background and education before this role?

I graduated from ESSEC in 2005. I started out in audit, then moved into internal audit. After that, I spent five years in Brazil before returning to France to take on several roles in financial management.

What’s a typical day like, and what qualities are needed for this job?

There’s no real “typical day,” so here’s a mix: checking client invoicing, monitoring bank accounts, paying suppliers, writing an HR memo, prepping for a new hire, meeting with our accountant, reviewing budgets, deciding on a hiring plan… Of course, none of this happens alone, I can count on a fantastic, motivated, and committed team!

As for the key qualities: versatility, curiosity, determination, persistence, a strong sense of service and a little creativity to tackle the most unexpected challenges.

Why did you choose to join Sowen?

I sensed a strong project led by committed people, with exciting prospects and a real need for structure, something I knew I could contribute to with my experience. That’s what made me want to join the adventure.

If you had to describe Sowen, or your life at Sowen, in 3 words?

Energetic, surprising, never disappointing.

A project at Sowen that really stood out to you?

Ariane, a big success with a prestigious client, full of challenges at every level. Each one was tackled hand-in-hand with the client.

Your passions ? 

Novels, films, cycling, diving into waves, and listening to music.

A designer or piece of design you love or find inspiring?

The Neotenic lamp by New York–based studio Jumbo, published by Petite Friture. I love its shape, its curves, its finish, and the comforting light it gives off.

A restaurant or hotel you’d recommend for a memorable experience?

The Mob’ hôtel in Saint-Ouen.

If your job were a song, what would it be?

Never ending stooooooryyyy …

If your computer could talk, what would it say about you?

That if I love typing on the keyboard that much, maybe I should’ve just played the piano!

If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose?

Flying. I dream about it often, and I’ve been hang gliding, but I’m not quite there yet!