Born in 1952. Massif central-Centre, France. Accountancy degree; Higher education diploma in taxation, finance and business law; Economic Sciences at Business School; Higher education diploma at the Institute of Business Administration; Diploma from the International Student Center of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). National Vice-President of Chartered Accountants in France (1994-2001). Chairman of the Tulle and Ussel Chambers of Commerce and Industry (1998-2005). Chairman of the Limousin Poitou-Charentes Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2001-2003). National Vice-President of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (2001-2004). City Councillor of Meymac since 1977. Member of Corrèze Departmental Council (Canton of Meymac) since 2008. Political adviser of the Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (UMP). Chairman of the EPP Group French delegation. Knight of the Legion of Honour. Knight of the Order of Academic Palms. MEP since 2005.