Michel Denis is the Chief Executive Officer of Daher, a French aerospace, industrial, and logistics group. He assumed the position on July 1, 2026, after more than 12 years as President and CEO of Manitou Group.
With a career spanning industrial manufacturing, business services, and corporate transformation, Denis brings extensive experience in international expansion, operational management, and business development. Before joining Daher, he held senior leadership positions at Manitou Group, Fraikin, Dalkia, and Johnson Controls.
His appointment brings an experienced industrial executive to a company with a long history in aerospace manufacturing, logistics, and industrial services.
Education and Early Career
Denis graduated from École Centrale de Lyon in 1989 with an engineering degree. He later completed his studies at ESSEC Business School in 1991.
He began his career in consulting, developing expertise in strategy and business development. This early experience gave him a foundation in corporate management and industrial strategy before he moved into operational leadership.
He subsequently held management positions at Dalkia, a company specializing in energy services, and Johnson Controls, a global provider of building solutions and industrial technologies.
These roles gave him experience across different industrial and service environments, preparing him for executive responsibilities at larger organizations.
Leading Fraikin Group
In 2003, Denis joined Fraikin Group, a European provider of full-service vehicle leasing and fleet management solutions.
He became Chief Executive Officer and led the company for approximately a decade. During this period, he gained experience managing an international business with complex operational requirements, including vehicle fleets, customer services, and industrial transportation.
His time at Fraikin helped establish his reputation as an executive capable of managing large service businesses and leading organizations through operational challenges.
More Than 12 Years at Manitou Group
Denis joined Manitou Group as President and CEO in 2014. The French company specializes in material handling, access equipment, and earthmoving solutions. Its products include telehandlers, forklifts, aerial work platforms, and equipment used in construction, agriculture, and industrial operations.
When he took over, Manitou was working to strengthen its profitability and improve its competitive position in international markets.
Under his leadership, the company expanded its international business, invested in industrial capabilities, and developed its product and service portfolio. Manitou also accelerated its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its equipment and operations.
During his tenure, the company strengthened its position as a global manufacturer of material handling and access equipment, with operations in 35 countries.
By the time Denis left Manitou, the company had reported annual revenue of approximately €2.7 billion. His leadership focused on combining international growth with investment in manufacturing, innovation, and decarbonization.
His time at Manitou represented the longest and most significant leadership chapter of his career before joining Daher.
Becoming CEO of Daher
On June 8, 2026, Daher announced that its Board of Directors had appointed Denis as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026.
The appointment introduced a strengthened executive leadership structure, with Denis serving as CEO alongside Aymeric Daher, who took the position of Executive Deputy CEO.
The board highlighted Denis's industrial experience, ability to lead corporate transformations, and understanding of family-owned businesses. His appointment was also intended to bring an external perspective to the company's executive team.
Daher has a distinctive position in the industrial sector. Founded in 1863, the family-owned group operates across aerospace manufacturing, industrial services, and logistics. It serves customers in aviation, defense, manufacturing, and other industrial markets.
In accepting the role, Denis highlighted the company's international presence, family heritage, long-term outlook, and established market position.
His immediate leadership challenge is to support Daher's development while maintaining the company's industrial capabilities and strengthening its position across its different business areas.
Leadership Priorities and Business Strategy
Denis's career suggests a leadership approach built around operational performance, international development, and long-term investment.
At Manitou, he focused on improving profitability while expanding the company's global activities. He also supported investments in industrial capacity and accelerated the organization's decarbonization strategy.
These priorities are relevant to Daher, which operates in industries where manufacturing efficiency, technological development, supply-chain performance, and environmental requirements influence competitiveness.
His experience managing a family-owned industrial company also provides useful background for leading Daher, where family ownership and long-term business development remain important parts of its corporate identity.
Working alongside Aymeric Daher, Denis leads the executive team responsible for advancing the group's strategy across aerospace, industrial services, and logistics.
Key Facts About Michel Denis
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michel Denis |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer |
| Company | Daher |
| CEO Appointment | July 1, 2026 |
| Industry | Aerospace, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics |
| Previous Position | President and CEO of Manitou Group |
| Previous Companies | Fraikin Group, Dalkia, Johnson Controls |
| Education | École Centrale de Lyon; ESSEC Business School |
| Engineering Qualification | 1989 |
| ESSEC Graduation | 1991 |
| Areas of Expertise | Industrial Leadership, Business Transformation, International Expansion, Operations, Decarbonization |
About Daher
Daher is a French family-owned industrial group founded in 1863. The company operates across four main areas: aircraft manufacturing, aerospace equipment and systems, industrial services, and logistics.
Its activities include designing and manufacturing aircraft, supplying aerospace and industrial customers, managing complex logistics operations, and providing industrial services.
Daher serves customers in sectors such as commercial aviation, defense, and advanced manufacturing. The group operates internationally and combines industrial engineering with logistics and supply-chain services.
In 2025, Daher reported revenue of approximately €1.9 billion and employed around 14,500 people across 17 countries.
Under Michel Denis's leadership, the company is focused on continuing its industrial development, strengthening its international presence, and supporting innovation across its business units.
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