By Maria Kalamatas – The Logistic News | March 5, 2025
In a major strategic move, GEODIS, a global leader in transport and logistics, has appointed Jean-Benoît Devauges as its new Group General Counsel. This appointment strengthens the company’s legal and governance structure at a time of rapid international expansion and increasing regulatory complexities.
A Seasoned Legal Expert Joins GEODIS
Devauges brings over two decades of legal expertise to GEODIS. His career spans key leadership roles in multinational corporations, equipping him with extensive knowledge in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and governance.
- Early Career: Devauges began at international arbitration firm Lazareff & Associés before transitioning to Renault’s legal department in 2000, where he specialized in corporate law.
- Global Experience: In 2006, he joined Nissan Motor Company’s global legal department in Tokyo, later relocating to Nissan North America in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Leadership at Renault: Returning to Renault in 2011, he served as deputy to the group general counsel, playing a critical role in major partnerships, M&A transactions, and governance frameworks. He was promoted to General Counsel in 2017 and later appointed as Secretary to the Board of Directors in 2019.
- Recent Role at MEDEF: Since 2023, Devauges has served as General Counsel and Head of Legal Affairs, Ethics, and Corporate Governance at MEDEF, the influential French business confederation.
Legal Expertise That Aligns with GEODIS’s Growth Strategy
Devauges’ extensive background in international business law, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance will be instrumental in guiding GEODIS as it navigates an increasingly complex global marketplace. His deep understanding of European and global legal frameworks ensures that GEODIS remains at the forefront of compliance and risk management.
“This appointment underscores our commitment to strong legal oversight and corporate governance,” said a GEODIS spokesperson. “Jean-Benoît Devauges brings a wealth of experience that will enhance our ability to adapt to global regulatory challenges while supporting the company’s ambitious growth trajectory.”
A Future-Focused Legal Strategy
As GEODIS continues its international expansion, Devauges is expected to play a pivotal role in reinforcing legal best practices, overseeing compliance frameworks, and ensuring regulatory adherence across multiple jurisdictions. His appointment signals the company’s proactive approach to legal and corporate governance in a rapidly evolving industry.
Academic Excellence and Professional Credentials
Devauges holds postgraduate diplomas in international business law from the University of Paris I and in EU law from the University of Paris II. He is admitted to practice law in France, further strengthening GEODIS’s legal foundation at a European and global level.
Setting the Standard for Legal Leadership in Logistics
With this appointment, GEODIS reaffirms its dedication to strategic legal oversight as a cornerstone of its global operations. Devauges’ expertise will be key in shaping the company’s legal policies, ensuring compliance, and supporting long-term corporate success.
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