Founder and Chairman of FDB Partners, an investment and advisory firm specializing in technology-driven businesses, digital transformation, and innovation-led growth, François Barrault serves as a board member and senior advisor to multiple public and private companies, as well as international organizations. He is currently the Chairman of DigiWorld Institute, a leading European technology think tank focused on the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors. He previously served as President and CEO of BT Global Services and BT International, building a $17 billion global business operating in 176 countries through 32 acquisitions. He was also a member of the BT Group PLC Board and the Group Operating Committee, where he contributed to the company’s advanced research and strategic transformation initiatives. Prior to BT, he was Corporate Officer, President and CEO of Lucent Technologies (EMEA and International). He was also COO and member of the executive committee at Ascend Communications and Stratus Computer. He began his career at IBM as a researcher in the United States and later co-founded Astria, an early e-commerce pioneer, as well as E-ServGlobal and several other technology companies. He holds an engineering degree from École Centrale de Nantes and a postgraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
For a reasonably open world
