Digital Public Policy Expert Jean-Renaud Roy Joins APCO as Senior Advisor

Paris – 27 May 2024: Jean-Renaud Roy, a recognized strategist in public affairs and the digital sector, has joined APCO in France as a senior advisor. His presence will consolidate APCO’s expertise in several key industries, notably new technologies and digital.

Roy previously headed Microsoft France’s government affairs team as senior director of corporate affairs, after joining the company in 2014. More recently, he helped set up biotech company Illumina’s government relations team in Brussels to establish its dialogue with European institutions on competition law.

Roy began his career at the French Ministry of Defense, where he was responsible for institutional relations at Syntec Numérique, now Numeum, the leading trade union and professional organization for the digital ecosystem in France. He then held communication management positions in ministerial cabinets, before becoming a parliamentary aide and advisor, specializing in digital issues, innovation financing and defense.

“After an intense legislative cycle that introduced new regulations for the digital sector, we are entering an implementation phase,” Roy said. “Companies will be assessed on their regulatory compliance and their ability to manage the environmental, social and economic impacts of AI and data. They will need strategic advice to navigate this transformation. APCO, through its unique positioning, is ideally placed to support them in this dynamic.”

“Jean-Renaud’s proven experience in government relations, both at national and European level, as well as his in-depth knowledge of the digital ecosystem, make him a major asset for APCO in France,” Tristan Lemonnier, managing director of APCO in France, said. “On the eve of the renewal of the European institutions, and in a context where digital technology is dominating geostrategic issues, his arrival will help us to better guide our customers in the face of emerging risks and opportunities.”

“Jean-Renaud brings unique expertise in digital sovereignty and innovation support policies,” Majda Achab, head of APCO’s Tech practice in France, said. “His in-depth knowledge of cloud computing and artificial intelligence will significantly strengthen our Tech team at APCO. He will help our customers navigate political and regulatory challenges, and transform these challenges into strategic opportunities, particularly in the deployment of AI solutions. I look forward to having him on board.”