Michaël Thémans holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Namur (Belgium), as well as a PhD in mathematical modelling and optimisation from the École Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne (EPFL). From 2019 to 2021, Michaël held a senior management position in the private sector, at the Richemont Group, where he led R&D and innovation activities, including in the fields of data-driven manufacturing and product-driven environmental performance. Before that, he was R&D Specialist in Data Sciences at the Nestlé Research Center (2007–2009), Executive Director of an interdisciplinary centre at EPFL (2010–2014), and Deputy Vice-President of Innovation and Head of Corporate Relations at EPFL (2015–2019). From 2017 to 2019, Michaël was also Vice-President of the EPFL Innovation Park and a Board member of the western branch of the Swiss innovation park, Switzerland Innovation. Michaël returned to EPFL as Director of its Development Office, reporting directly to EPFL’s President. In this role, he oversees the activities of the Alumni and Philanthropy Units, increasing their impact by making the most of each Unit’s strengths and by developing a long-term strategy in line with EPFL’s needs and priorities. He will also be implementing strategic projects for the President and ensuring close coordination with the Vice-Presidency for Innovation on matters linked to industrial partnerships.