The Stef Group has decided to redefine its executive structure to support the evolution of the group’s scale, operating scope and geographical footprint. The decision was taken by the Board of Directors, following consultation with the Compensation and Appointments Committee, with the aim of more effectively supporting strategic priorities and international development.
The new structure provides for the appointment of two chief operating officers. Damien Chapotot will take responsibility for France, while François Pinto will lead international operations. Both will report directly to CEO Stanislas Lemor. The appointments will become effective after the general meeting scheduled for 23 April 2026. The governance model will therefore be structured around the CEO and two chief operating officers, an approach designed to respond in a differentiated manner to the economic, geographical and operational challenges of the markets in which the group operates, as well as to the progressive evolution of turnover.
The reorganisation is also linked to the decision by Marc Vettard, deputy chief executive officer, to exercise his right to retire, handing over to a new team tasked with implementing the next strategic plan. Vettard concludes his professional career after more than 40 years with the Stef Group, seven of which were spent in general management. During his mandate he oversaw a phase of structural transformation, marked by international expansion, the strengthening of a strategic framework based on “Care” and innovation, and an increasing focus on customers. His career comes to a close as the group reaches, one year ahead of schedule, its target of €5 billion in turnover.
The appointment of Damien Chapotot as chief operating officer for France entrusts him with responsibility for the group’s main market. Chapotot brings to the role almost 30 years of experience in the transport and logistics sector, gained in senior management positions. After 20 years at Xpo Logistics Europe, he joined Stef in 2017 as deputy chief executive officer of Stef Transport, becoming deputy chief executive officer in 2019. His main missions will focus on activating new growth levers and modernising operational tools, in a market environment characterised by increasing complexity and pressure on margins. Chapotot is 57 and holds a master’s degree from Isgia (management institute).
François Pinto has been appointed chief operating officer for international operations. With almost 20 years of experience gained across four countries, he brings a strongly international profile and in-depth knowledge of the group. Having joined Stef in 1999 through the Graduate Program, he initially held operational and commercial roles in France before moving to Spain. In 2015 he was appointed managing director of Stef Portugal and in 2019 took over the leadership of Stef Iberia. In 2024 he returned to France as deputy chief executive officer of Stef France. Across the seven countries under his responsibility, priorities will focus on growth, the integration of recent acquisitions and the dissemination of group-wide expertise. Pinto is 49 and is a graduate of IESE Business School and Esilog (engineering and logistics school).
According to Stanislas Lemor, Chairman and CEO of the Stef Group, the reorganisation represents a key milestone in the group’s development path. Lemor highlighted Marc Vettard’s contribution to building a solid, long-term-oriented organisation, noting that the new general management team is tasked with supporting a new phase of growth and value creation, while keeping customers, employees and sustainability commitments at the centre.
