Serge Papin, Former Système U CEO, Newly Appointed Minister of SMEs

Serge Papin Appointed Minister for Small And medium-Sized Enterprises

Paris, France – October 13, 2025

Sébastien Lecornu, the relevant Minister, announced on Sunday the appointment of Serge Papin as the new minister dedicated to Small And medium-Sized Enterprises. This move signals a deliberate effort to incorporate individuals with practical experience from outside traditional political circles into the government.

Papin, aged 70 and originating from the Vendée region, previously led the prominent supermarket group, Système U, from 2005 until 2018, now operating as Coopérative U. He expressed his desire to represent the everyday lives of French citizens in his new role.

“it is a genuine thankfulness to see civil society represented within the government, striving to foster unity rather than division,” Papin stated following his appointment.

Expanding Ministerial Responsibilities

Beyond advocating for Small And Medium-Sized enterprises, Papin’s portfolio will also encompass oversight of trade, artisanal crafts, tourism, and initiatives to enhance the purchasing power of French consumers. This broad remit reflects the government’s commitment to supporting a diverse range of economic sectors.

Papin brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as a business consultant and authored a comprehensive report in 2020 analyzing the ofen-complex relationship between large retailers and their agricultural suppliers.

The Egalim 2 Law and Beyond

Papin’s 2020 report directly influenced the progress and implementation of the Egalim 2 law, enacted during Emmanuel Macron’s initial term. This legislation aimed to safeguard farmers’ income in negotiations with major distribution networks. According to the latest Statista data, the agricultural sector’s contribution to France’s GDP remains important, underscoring the importance of policies like Egalim 2.

Most recently,papin held a position on the board of directors for Auchan retail International,concluding in January,after joining in late 2022.He also lent his expertise to the supervisory board of Nous anti-waspi, a supermarket chain dedicated to minimizing food waste.

Position	Dates
CEO, Système U	2005 – 2018
Board Member, Auchan Retail International	Late 2022 – January 2025
Minister of SMEs	October 2025 – Present

Did You Know? Papin began his career in mass retail in the early 1970s as a warehouse worker, rising through the ranks to become a prominent industry leader.

Pro Tip: For Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises seeking government support, actively monitoring announcements from the Ministry of SMEs will be crucial.

The Role of SMEs in the French Economy

Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises constitute the backbone of the French economy, representing over 99% of all companies and employing approximately two-thirds of the workforce – according to the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Recovery. Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by these businesses, such as access to funding, regulatory burdens, and international competition, is paramount for sustainable economic growth.

The appointment of a Minister with direct experience in the retail sector suggests a focus on strengthening the entire supply chain and ensuring fair practices for all stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Serge Papin’s Appointment

What are your thoughts on this new appointment and its potential impact on the French economy? Share your insights in the comments below!

what impact might serge Papin’s retail background have on his policies as Minister of SMEs?

Serge Papin: From Système U Leadership to Minister of smes – A New Era for French Small Businesses

Papin’s Background and rise at Système U

serge Papin’s appointment as Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) marks a notable shift, bringing a seasoned retail executive into a key governmental role. For over two decades, Papin served as CEO of Système U, one of France’s leading supermarket chains.His tenure was characterized by a focus on competitive pricing, strong supplier relationships, and a commitment to local sourcing – principles likely to inform his approach to supporting teh french SME sector.

* Early Career: Papin began his career within système U, progressively taking on roles with increasing duty.

* CEO Tenure (2003-2024): he steered Système U through periods of intense competition,navigating challenges posed by Carrefour,Leclerc,and the rise of discount retailers.

* Key Strategies: Papin championed a cooperative model, emphasizing the independence of Système U’s member retailers. This focus on retail cooperatives is a defining feature of the group.

The scope of the SME Portfolio: Challenges and Opportunities

The Ministry of SMEs is a critical department within the French government, responsible for fostering the growth and competitiveness of the backbone of the French economy. French small businesses and medium-sized enterprises represent over 99% of all companies in France and employ roughly half of the country’s workforce. Papin inherits a portfolio facing several key challenges:

1. access to Finance: Securing funding remains a major hurdle for many SMEs,particularly startups and those seeking to expand. SME financing options are often limited, and bureaucratic processes can be cumbersome.
2. Administrative Burden: French businesses frequently cite excessive red tape and complex regulations as obstacles to growth. Simplifying regulations for SMEs is a recurring demand.
3. Digital Transition: Adopting digital technologies is crucial for competitiveness,but many SMEs lack the resources and expertise to fully embrace digital change.
4. Skills Gap: Finding qualified employees with the necessary skills is a persistent challenge, particularly in emerging sectors. Workforce growth programs are vital.

However, significant opportunities exist:

* France 2030 Plan: Papin will play a key role in implementing the France 2030 investment plan, which aims to boost French industrial competitiveness and innovation.

* european Funds: Accessing and effectively utilizing European Union funding programs designed to support SMEs is a priority.

* Green Transition: Supporting SMEs in adopting sustainable practices and capitalizing on the growing green economy presents a significant opportunity.

Papin’s Likely Policy Focus: Drawing Parallels from Système U

Observers anticipate that Papin will leverage his experience at Système U to shape his policies as Minister of SMEs. Several themes are likely to emerge:

Strengthening Supplier Relationships & Fair Competition

Papin’s experience negotiating with suppliers at Système U suggests he will prioritize fair competition and obvious relationships between SMEs and larger companies.He understands the power dynamics at play and the importance of ensuring SMEs receive equitable terms. This could translate into stricter enforcement of existing regulations regarding unfair trading practices and potentially new legislation to protect smaller businesses.

Promoting Local Sourcing and Regional Development

Système U has consistently emphasized local sourcing, supporting French producers and reducing its carbon footprint. Papin is likely to champion policies that encourage local economic development and promote the consumption of French-made products. This could involve incentives for SMEs to source locally and initiatives to strengthen regional supply chains.

Streamlining Regulations and Reducing Bureaucracy

Having navigated the complexities of the French regulatory landscape as a business leader, Papin is well-positioned to identify areas where simplification is needed. Expect initiatives aimed at reducing the administrative costs for SMEs and making it easier to start and operate a business in france. This aligns with ongoing government efforts to improve the business climate in France.

Investing in Digital Skills and Infrastructure

Papin’s understanding of the importance of digital transformation will likely lead to increased investment in programs designed to help SMEs adopt new technologies. This could include funding for digital training, support for the development of digital platforms, and initiatives to improve access to high-speed internet in rural areas.

Potential Impact on Key SME Sectors

Papin’s policies are expected to have a broad impact across various SME sectors.

* Retail: Continued support for independent retailers and initiatives to level the playing field with larger chains.

* Manufacturing: Investment in advanced manufacturing technologies and programs to reshore production.

* Tourism: Promoting sustainable tourism and supporting SMEs in the hospitality sector.

* Technology: Fostering innovation and providing funding for startups and scale-ups.

* Craftsmanship: Preserving customary skills and supporting the growth of artisanal businesses.

The Role of France’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI)

papin will need to work closely with CCI France and other business organizations to effectively implement his policies. These organizations play a crucial role in providing support