Lionel Zinsou, 63, married, three children.
Economist and Investment Banker. Former Prime Minister of Benin (2015-2016). Trained as historian and economist (1972-1980): University of Paris, École Normale Supérieure Paris, Sciences Po Paris, Research Student London School of Economics. “Agrégation” of Economics and Social Sciences.
Career:
1981-1983: Lecturer University Paris XIII, Department of Economics.
1983-1986: Reader Ecole Normale Supérieure, Head of Social Sciences Department.
1983-1986: Assistant Private Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, France.
1986-1997: Danone Group: Financial Controller, Corporate Development Director, CEO HP and Lea and Perrins (UK/USA), CEO Grocery Division and Executive Committee member.
1997-2008: Rothschild Group: General Partner, Global Head of Consumer Goods, Head of Africa Middle East.
2008-2015: PAI Partners (French largest Private Equity Fund): Partner, Managing Director, Chaiman and CEO.
2017: Managing Partner and Co-Founder of SouthBridge.
Community work:
Chair Advisory Board Domaines Barons de Rothschild, Fondation de l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure, Africafrance, Amis du Musée Branly-Jacques Chirac, Terra Nova think tank, Microcred
Board member: Ashinaga, Sanofi Foundation, Fondation Zinsou