Who’s Who d’Or: an award to celebrate French excellence

France’s most prestigious biographical directory breaks new ground with the launch of the Who’s Who d’Or, a new distinction that rewards exceptional talent in all fields. Here’s a look back at the first edition of this prestigious and influential event.
A ceremony at the pinnacle of excellence
On Monday March 17, the Salon Hoche in Paris hosted the very first edition of the Who’s Who d’Or awards. The ceremony honored 21 influential personalities, including pastry chef Nina Métayer, minister Clara Chappaz, businessman Antoine Arnault, artist JR, fashion designer Mossi Traoré and Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard. The prize, designed to recognize French excellence, is part of a wider ambition to shine the spotlight on talent from all horizons and all generations.
Spearheaded by Franck Papazian, who bought the directory in 2023, this initiative aims to celebrate the innovation, leadership and societal commitment of the winners. The aim is to make this ceremony a key annual event, on a par with the major international awards.
A strategic renewal for Who’s Who
Far from limiting itself to this award ceremony, Who’s Who continues its metamorphosis. During the event, Franck Papazian also made official the launch of Who’s Who magazine, a quarterly featuring portraits of the award winners, as well as articles on French excellence. This announcement is part of an ambitious transformation plan, which began with the creation of an online medium headed by Cécile Hellouin de Ménibus, and the development of the Who’s Who Club, a networking network bringing together decision-makers and influential personalities for dinners, conferences and literary meetings.
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