Co-funded by the
European Union
Karine Vernier of EIT InnoEnergy receives two French accolades of the highest order in recognition of services to energy and industry
Vernier appointed as a member of the Conseil National de L’Industrie as well as being honoured with the title of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
Karine Vernier, CEO of EIT InnoEnergy France, has been announced as a member of the Conseil National de L’industrie (CNI).
What is the French National Council of Energy?
The prestigious body was created in 2010 and has direct attachment to the Prime Minister’s office, with Directorate of Enterprises (DGE) providing its general secretariat. Designed as a platform for dialogue between the public and private sector to support and strengthen France’s industrial sector, its members aim to advise public authorities on the challenges facing industry, particularly in the context of ecological and digital transition, re-industrialisation and the country’s resilience.
The CNI’s tripartite governance structure includes manufacturers, civil society, and the administration. Karine Vernier joins the Collège des entreprises industrielles alongside fellow members such as Stéphane Michel, President of Total’s Gas, Renewables & Power division; Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group; and Alexandre Saubot, Managing Director of Haulotte and President of OPCO2i.
Chavalier de la Légion d’Honneur
Additionally, Vernier has been named Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in recognition of her 25 years in the energy industry, as part of the January 1, 2024 promotion announced by decree on December 29, 2023. Established in 1802, the accolade is the highest French order of merit that recognises individuals for exceptional achievements or services rendered to France.
Both achievements are testament to Vernier’s esteemed standing in the field and substantial contribution to French industry. This has significantly contributed to the impact of EIT InnoEnergy’s actions in support of the reindustrialisation of France. This is notably achieved through the de-risking and financing of innovative greentech companies and the creation of France-based gigafactories such as Verkor and Holosolis, which in turn improve the attractiveness of France as an industrial market and provide increased local employment opportunities.
Vernier, who holds a DEA in Applied Mathematics from the University of Bordeaux, and a Doctorate in Econometrics from the University of Strasbourg, has successfully led numerous programmes in the clean energy sector, notably with energy giants ENGIE and GRTgaz. Her commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation has also seen her found two companies in the natural gas and digital sector, managing a third in the clean fuel sector. At EIT InnoEnergy in her role as CEO of EIT InnoEnergy France, she is responsible for driving the company’s vision for a vibrant, sustainable European economy forward by supporting sustainable energy innovation across France.
