Paris, France - Infront has announced that Jean-Francois Jeanne, Managing Director of Infront France, will leave the company in September 2023 to join Emirates as Vice President Global Sponsorship and Events.
Jean-Francois joined the Infront Group in October 2012 as Managing Director of Infront France, successfully establishing the Group’s French presence and building a strong domestic market position from the ground up.
Jean-Francois 's role will be taken over by Alexis Zabel, Infront France’s current Senior Director Sales, as of 1 September 2023. Alexis has also been a member of the Infront France team for a decade. He joined the company in November 2012 as Sales Director and was promoted Senior Director in January 2019. He is a member of the local management board.
In his new role, Alexis will – alongside his existing sales responsibilities – oversee the General Management of Infront France, including Business Development and Rights-In Management as well as all Marketing & Client Solutions. He will report into Julien Ternisien, Vice President Summer Sports at Infront Group level.
Julien Ternisien said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jean-Francois for his achievements on behalf of Infront. During his tenure he significantly grew and developed Infront's business, brand and footprint in the important French market, leaving the company in great shape and well prepared for future growth. We wish him all the very best in his upcoming endeavours with Emirates.
"Alexis Zabel is an ideal fit and trusted choice as a successor. He has been working with Infront for over a decade and contributes over 20 years of experience in the French sports business market. He also provides a most diversified knowledge and extensive network of relationships across the country, including all our valued clients in France. We are looking forward to further expanding our domestic business with him taking the lead and providing much required continuity."
Jean-Francois Jeanne commented: “My career with Infront has been hugely fulfilling and enabled me to build the domestic French business for a leading player in our industry from the ground up. After more than a decade working for Infront, I leave behind a strong Group company and many good friends. I am now looking forward to changing sides, shaping the sponsorship strategy including sports and events of a leading global airline brand after two decades working in the agency segment."
Alexis Zabel said: “I am very excited to taking over the responsibility for Infront France and to drive the manifold business development opportunities across the ever-transforming market.”