Valerie Bernis | Influence 100

Valerie Bernis

Executive vice president in charge of communications, marketing and sustainable development
GDF-Suez

French energy company GDF Suez has put sustainability at the center of its strategy over the past decade, with a three-pronged approach that emphasizes innovation, acceptance and what the company calls “appeal” (the ability to attract the best young talent). Valérie Bernis has played a leading role in developing that strategy, first as executive vice president in charge of sustainable development and more recently in a communications role that involves responsibility for financial communications, public affairs and commercial and marketing department. A member of the executive committee of GDF Suez since 2008, Bernis is also responsible for evaluating the status of women at the company and of developing a plan of action for chairman and chief executive Gérard Mestrallet. Previously, Bernis worked in the French Minister of Economics, Finance & Privatization, and from 1993 to 1995 as press and communication officer for the French Prime Minister.