
New President at Yang Ming
Jan 26, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Shipping Facing New Challenges
Jan 26, 2026 at 9:56 AMGroupe STEF has restructured its management and appointed two new operational directors. This decision follows the company’s growth as well as the expansion of its scope of activities and geographical presence. The aim is to adjust the organization and governance to effectively support the strategic priorities and international development of the company.
According to a company statement, Damien Chapotot has been appointed as the operational director for France, while François Pinto (photo) will take on the role of operational director for international affairs. Both will report directly to the Chairman of the Board, Stanislas Lemor. Their appointments will take effect after the general meeting on April 23, 2026.
These changes are also related to the upcoming retirement of Marc Vettard, who has been with the company for over 40 years, including seven years in management. Vettard has significantly contributed to positioning Groupe STEF as a major player in the European transport and logistics sector. Under his leadership, the company has undergone a comprehensive transformation and expanded its international activities. He leaves the company having already achieved a revenue target of €5 billion, one year ahead of schedule.
New Leadership Structure to Support Growth
The new governance structure of Groupe STEF will be built around the Chairman of the Board and the two operational directors. This structure aims to address the diverse economic, geographical, and operational challenges of the company’s various markets and support revenue development.
Damien Chapotot brings nearly 30 years of experience in the transport and logistics sector. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career and most recently served as Deputy Managing Director at STEF Transport. In his new role, he will be responsible for the company’s largest market and will focus on developing new growth strategies as well as modernizing operational processes.
François Pinto has nearly 20 years of experience in various countries and will lead the company’s international strategy. He began his career at STEF in 1999 and has since held various positions in France and abroad. In his new role, he will focus on growth, the integration of new acquisitions, and the implementation of the corporate strategy.
Stanislas Lemor, Chairman of Groupe STEF, expressed gratitude for Marc Vettard’s contributions and emphasized the importance of his strategic vision for the company. He welcomed the new directors and highlighted that their expertise and collaboration will be crucial for the company’s future development. Lemor also stressed the importance of placing the needs of customers and employees at the center of the corporate strategy.







