Passing of Rossignol Pioneer Laurent Boix-Vives
Jun 22, 2020·Alpine Skiing
It is with great sadness that FIS learned of the passing of Laurent Boix-Vives, who passed away on Thursday, 18th June at the age of 93.
A passionate entrepreneur, Laurent Boix-Vives was a visionary industrialist and one of the great figures of the ski industry and the development of winter sports in France and around the world. In 1956, at the age of 29, he bought Rossignol and made it the world leader in skiing by focusing on innovation and internationalisation. He was also always very close to champions and athletes and put competition at the heart of the company's values.
Rossignol has lost its emblematic figure, who was able to turn a small craft workshop in Voiron into the world's leading ski group. Laurent Boix-Vives contributed to popularising the practice of winter sports in France and around the world. Those who were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work with him, remember a man who was profoundly human, attentive, demanding and always caring.
As Bruno Cercley, President of the Rossignol Group, stated: “We are losing a symbol, a mentor and a friend today”.
FIS would like to recognise the role of Laurent Boix-Vives with the development of the ski industry and offer its deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
