Advisor for Strategic Affairs and Asia to the French President. Former Deputy Director of the Policy Planning Staff for the French Foreign Office. He was France Ambassador to Turkmenistan (2006-2009), Deputy Director of the South-East Asia section for the Foreign Office (2002-2006), Diplomatic advisor on International Affairs for the Minister of Defence, Sir Alain Richard (1997-2002) and Chief Clerk of the Asia-Pacific section at the Delegation for Strategic Affairs for the Department of Defence (1992-1996). He holds a PhD in Sovietics Studies, a Master’s Degree in Econometry and a Master’s Degree in International Relations.