Managing Board

Esker's executive officers define company vision, plan long-term strategies to realise this vision, and manage worldwide operations. Their ability to transform vision into reality is why Esker has continued to provide its customers with quality solutions — integrating emerging technologies with existing information systems.

	Jean-Michel Bérard Worldwide Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President of the Board of Directors Jean-Michel Bérard received his computer engineering degree in 1984 from the Lyon Institut National des Sciences Appliquées. Shortly thereafter, he co-founded Esker. Since the founding, he has been primarily responsible for product strategy, implementing development programs that respond quickly to changing technology trends and creating comprehensive, market-ready products. In his current role as president of the board of directors and Worldwide Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Michel is responsible for defining and executing Esker's business plan. He also represents Esker to the potential partners, the European technological community, IT analysts, and the trade press. Ernst & Young named Jean-Michel Bérard European Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000. He was named as one of the Top Technology Visionaries by Start magazine in 2002.
	Emmanuel Olivier WW Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel is leading Esker’s operations worldwide, covering sales, marketing and consulting activities. He also supervises Esker finances and is in charge of the company’s financial communication and investor relations. Emmanuel joined Esker in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to his current role in 2003. Prior to joining Esker, he worked as an audit manager for the international firm Ernst & Young for seven years, including two years in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Emmanuel was awarded a Master's degree in Business Administration in 1991 from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce of Nice Sophia Antipolis, and earned the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) qualification from the state of Pennsylvania.
	Jean-Jacques Bérard Executive Vice President, Research and Development Jean-Jacques Bérard received his engineer's degree in 1988 from Lyon Institut National des Sciences Appliquées. Before coming to Esker, he was research and development (R&D) team manager at Andersen Consulting in Lyon. He joined Esker in 1995, first as project leader for the SQL team and then advancing to R&D manager in 1997. In 1998, he was named Executive Vice President, Research and Development. In this capacity, Jean-Jacques implements product strategy and oversees product planning and development.
	Steve Smith Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas Steve Smith joined Esker in 2003 as the Director of Sales, and is currently responsible for all Sales and Marketing throughout North and South America. Upon graduating in 1984 from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater with bachelor's degrees in Marketing and in Finance, Steve spent 2 years in sales at Pitney Bowes, and 17 years at Equitrac Corporation where he was the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales.
	Eric Bussy Corporate Marketing Communication and Product Management Director Eric Bussy received his master’s degree in business administration from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce IDRAC Lyon, France. Before joining Esker, Eric spent 3 years as an International Product Manager working on projects for France Air and Melink Corporation in Cincinnati, OH, USA. Eric then served as Field Marketing Manager for Seal’s and Cdtel in France during 2 years and joined Esker in 2002 as the Director of Marketing and Communication. His current activities include development of strategic products, services and solutions. As of 2005 he has taken on an extended role to include Director of Product Management.
	Eric Thomas Vice President of Business Development Eric Thomas joined Esker in 1997 and started as Managing Director for France and then South European Director during 3 years. When Esker launched DeliveryWare, Eric’s mission changed to Director of European Business Development. In this position, Eric actively participates to the successful launch of Esker SaaS offer today called FlyDoc / Esker on Demand. After Business Administration studies in USA (BA), Eric started his career at France Telecom EGT where he successfully held various positions in sales and sales management.
	Renee Thomas Director of Field Marketing, Americas Renee Thomas joined Esker in 1998 and became the Director of Americas Field Marketing in 2001 after holding positions in Channel Sales and Marketing. Current responsibilities include lead generation strategies, lead qualification processes, customer development programs, customer service and press/analyst relations for the Americas.  Previous to Esker, Renee held a Corporate Communications role at Westinghouse where she was responsible for employee and management communications, events, PR, and collateral development for one of its divisions.  Renee graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Communications and she received her MBA from the University of South Carolina in 2000.