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Who is the manager of the KEDGE Alumni office in Nantes?
Led by a volunteer graduate, this branch enables local Alumni and students to meet from time-to-time during afterworks, visits, or other casual events.
KEDGE Alumni has many branches throughout the world, which allows Alumni living abroad to meet, expand their network, share their respective experiences, and have a good time.
Today, we invite you to discover the portrait of the dynamic host of our Nantes branch, Philippe Charles (ESC 2003).
💬 PHILIPPE CHARLES (ESC 2003) - INTERVIEW
1️⃣ To begin, tell us a little about your professional background. What is your current position? What is your educational and professional background?
After I got a marketing degree from KEDGE (ESC Bordeaux), broken up with a gap year spent in Paris working mainly in the automotive sector, I got my first job at BMW Group France as Events Project Manager for launching new products (trade shows, launch conventions, promotional events, etc.). I then went to work as a Product Manager at Hella France, a German automotive supplier.
At the age of 30, I wanted to find a job that was closer to the field and more commercial. I started in the commercial property field because a friend of mine from KEDGE referred me to a job at BNP Paribas Real Estate helping companies find office space in the Paris region.
Three years later, I took advantage of a transfer to come and settle in the region with a view to start a family. My career continued in Nantes, and I discovered a new market.
In 2017, I was promoted to Investment Consultant, advising institutional and private investors on their acquisitions and arbitrages in commercial property, such as regarding offices, businesses, logistics, and retail.
Today, I’m still at BNP Paribas Real Estate, in an environment that is constantly changing, and perhaps will be even more so as a consequence of the health crisis.
2️⃣ Today you live in Nantes. What do you particularly like about this city? What is different from other cities?
I’m originally from Nancy. I was able to familiarise myself with several cities, such as Lille, Stuttgart, and Bordeaux, while at school and through doing internships. Like many, life decided I was to begin my career in Paris - a beautiful city which is ideal for young urban people. It’s a city that moves at 100 miles an hour, but it’s also a cosmopolitan city in which you can walk from one district to another.
Age, wisdom, or both led me to want to leave Paris and find a simpler life, especially so we could start a family. We focused on the west coast because of the regions’ dynamics - both professionally and personally - such as the employment rate, accessibility, climate, quality of life, and other aspects.
Since I moved to Nantes in 2010, I’ve been able to observe the dynamics of this metropolis, which is constantly developing, including its demographics, attractiveness, start-up environment. There’s also a good balance between tertiary and industrial employment, as well as the presence of many top schools. Several districts are growing and transforming, and the many parks and green corridors mean that you can quickly be at the waterfront. Additionally, destinations such as La Baule and Pornic are less than an hour's drive away, so you can have an impromptu getaway, a dinner with a sunset, or spend a day building sandcastles on the beach.
3️⃣You are now managing the local KEDGE Alumni branch in Nantes. What motivated you to volunteer?
In 2012, I contacted KEDGE to find out if any meetings were being organised in Nantes, similar to the ones mentioned in the newsletters the Alumni network sends out regularly. There wasn’t a branch in Nantes, which means there was no coordinator and, therefore, no events were organised. The school then suggested a become a manager of a local branch. As I was committed to my KEDGE Bordeaux roots and the friends I met back then, and since I benefited from the job referral I had gotten and wanted broaden my network, I accepted the responsibility.
4️⃣ What are your ambitions for this branch, what are your plans?
The network is important, both for meeting people and finding out about different sectors and associated professions. Many people attend the events either at the end of their studies to get their first job or later as part of a career change and they are looking for contacts.
My goal (post-health crisis) is to organise regular meetings over drinks with graduates of all ages and from all walks of life. I also plan to organise professional visits to manufacturers, whose doors would be open us through a KEDGE graduate.
5️⃣ How was did your integration as the manager of a branch go? Was the contact with KEDGE Alumni easy?
It was the best! Julie PACHON was my first contact in 2012. I was given a great welcome and was call them to discuss the first events. Brigitte Van Roy then took over the reins. The KEDGE Alumni team provides support and facilitates its managers in organising meetings, such as managing invitations, communications, and sometimes even being there. Thank you!
6️⃣ Finally, what message would you like to send to graduates and students passing through or living in Nantes?
Take advantage of this beautiful city. Fully experience your moments and the people you meet. Don't hesitate to join us. Please give me a call to let me know about your experience and open the doors of your company to our members. I really hope to see you soon in Nantes!
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