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Billionaire Profile
Jacques Merceron-Vicat & family
Global Rank
#2756

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jacques Merceron-Vicat & family

CEO, Vicat S.A.
FR
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.2B
As of December 2025
Age
87
Source
cement
Industry
construction-engineering
Citizenship
FR

Biography

Jacques Merceron-Vicat, born March 22, 1938, is a prominent figure in the cement industry, leading the Vicat Group, a French family-run business established in 1853. As the seventh generation of the Vicat family, he has overseen the company's expansion, innovation, and commitment to sustainable practices. His career began in 1968 as an engineer within Vicat, and he later became General Manager in 1973, focusing on modernization and efficiency. Jacques Merceron-Vicat became Chairman of the Board in 1984, driving the international growth of Vicat through strategic acquisitions. The Merceron-Vicat family, with their long-standing history in cement, have maintained a strong position in the industry while embracing innovation and a commitment to community engagement. They also continue to foster scientific and technical culture through the Louis Vicat Foundation.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jacques Merceron-Vicat was born on March 22, 1938, in La Tronche, Isère, France. He is a descendant of Louis Vicat, the inventor of artificial cement in 1817.

Rise to Success

After graduating from the École Spéciale des Travaux Publics in 1962, Jacques Merceron-Vicat joined Vicat. He began his career as an exploitation engineer and was appointed General Manager in 1973. He led the company's modernization efforts, focusing on energy efficiency and automation. He became Chairman and CEO in 1984, expanding Vicat into an international group through strategic acquisitions.

Key Business Strategies

Jacques Merceron-Vicat has focused on expanding Vicat's operations through acquisitions. Under his leadership, Vicat has invested in several countries. A significant step was the acquisition of the National Cement Company of America in 1974. The company has operations in France, the United States, Switzerland, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Kazakhstan, India, and Brazil. Vicat has focused on vertical integration.

Philanthropy

The Vicat Group, under the leadership of Jacques Merceron-Vicat, supports various philanthropic initiatives through the Louis Vicat Foundation. The Foundation promotes scientific and technical culture, preserves heritage, and supports education and solidarity. Vicat also supports the Berlioz Festival in the Isère region and has created the Fondation Sococim in Senegal.

Career Milestones

1968

Engineer at Vicat

Began career as an engineer within the Vicat Group.

1973

General Manager

Appointed General Manager, focusing on modernization.

1984

Chairman and CEO

Became Chairman and CEO, driving the international growth of Vicat through acquisitions.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Culture

Louis Vicat Foundation

$XB

Supports scientific and technical culture, preserves heritage, and supports education and solidarity in France.

Community Development

Fondation Sococim

$XB

Supports concerts and local initiatives in Senegal.