French-Australian executive with 20+ years transforming organisations across profit, non-profit, and membership sectors.Currently seeking Executive Director | General Manager | Strategic Leadership roles
Open to permanent positions, contract missions, and advisory engagements.
Based in Perth but geographically flexible.
What I bring
Cross-Sector Leadership
Most executives specialise in one sector. I lead across multiple.
I've founded national employers' organisations, managed hospitality operations, directed chamber of commerce initiatives, and led commercial enterprises. This isn't scattered experience. It's the ability to bring profit discipline to mission-driven organisations and stakeholder sophistication to commercial operations.
Value: Fresh perspective that challenges "we've always done it this way" whilst respecting what works.
Stakeholder Complexity
I thrive when navigating multiple competing interests.
From negotiating with five trade unions and government ministers to coordinating ministerial events and managing member organisations, I understand how to build consensus without compromising outcomes. Cross-cultural fluency (French-Australian) adds another dimension to stakeholder navigation.
Value: Strategic relationship building that creates advantage, not just manages conflict.
Strategic Execution
I connect strategic vision to operational reality.
Whether founding organisations from scratch (UNIDIS), transforming existing operations, or managing P&L across sectors, I bridge the gap between strategic thinking and practical implementation. DBA-level strategic rigour meets hands-on operational experience.
Value: Leadership that delivers outcomes with the integrity that makes them sustainable.
Track Record: Leadership Across Sectors
Twenty years of building, transforming, and leading organisations across two continents.
Non-Profit & Association Leadership
- Founded and led UNIDIS, UNIDIS Strategie & Avenir, AFIFOR national employers' organisation representing 2,450 companies and 80,000 employees
- Negotiated 40+ national workplace agreements with five trade unions and government ministers on employment conditions, training, workplace safety, and diversity
- Co-founded and supervised €100M+ professional training fund (OPCA 3+) with joint governance ensuring transparent administration and regulatory compliance
- Served as board and committee member across 13+ national and European organisations including MEDEF, GFI,INRS, CNAM-TS overseeing strategic direction
- Led FACCI WA Chapter coordinating ministerial and diplomatic events, developing France-Australia business initiatives
Commercial Operations & P&L Management
- Co-founded ERP technology company (ERP Power) with complete business development, international team management, and client acquisition
- Managed hospitality operations including dual-venue F&B leadership (CEO Institute Skylounge, Wild Bakery) with full P&L accountability
- Financial auditing leadership at Accor Pullman resort processing $25M+ annual revenue across accommodation, dining, spa, and events
- Restaurant ownership (Par L'Ouest) with brand development, team leadership, and complete operational management
- Sales & supply chain management (Profluid) in mining/energy sector ensuring ISO compliance and operational excellence
Strategic & Cross-Cultural Initiatives
- DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) focused on hospitality and business management, demonstrating commitment to continuous learning
- MBA in Tourism & Hospitality Management (UNWTO TedQual certification) supporting career transition and market expertise
- Industrial Relations expertise with national certification and 15+ years practical experience in complex negotiations
- Bilingual leadership (French native, English fluent) with proven ability to bridge European and Australian business cultures
Why My Journey Matters
I'm Arnaud Couvreur, and my career is about building bridges, between countries, cultures, industries, and most importantly, between people and the opportunities that help them thrive.
Twenty years ago, I was founding and leading employer organisations in Paris, negotiating with government ministers and trade unions on behalf of 80,000 employees. Today, as a French-Australian executive in Perth, I bring together European strategic thinking and Australian operational pragmatism to help organisations navigate complexity and unlock growth.
The path between these points hasn't been conventional. I've founded national organisations, managed hospitality operations, led bilateral trade initiatives, co-founded tech startups, and most recently served as Head of Chapter for the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce in WA. I've also earned a Doctorate in Business Administration because I believe leaders never stop learning.
Here's what matters: this diversity isn't scattered experience. It's pattern recognition across contexts. I see opportunities that sector-specialists miss.
This experience (the successes, the setbacks, the cultural learning curves) has made me effective at helping organisations navigate similar challenges. I've been the founder who built from nothing. The change agent who transformed existing operations. The cultural bridge who navigates between boardroom sophistication and front-line authenticity. The leader who makes people genuinely want to contribute their best.
This isn't theory. It's lived experience I bring to your challenges!
Tkinking Ahead
Recently, I've become deeply engaged with how new Techs and AI are reshaping work, relationships, and organisational futures, not as a technologist, but as someone committed to transformation that honours human dignity.
My Leadership Approach
Whether I was negotiating collective agreements for thousands of employees in France, creating memorable dining experiences in Perth, or strengthening France-Australia business connections through FACCI, my focus has always been the same: understanding what organisations and people need to succeed, then helping them get there.
My values aren't just words on a website:
- Integrity; I do what I say, even when it's difficult
- Empathy; I understand challenges because I've faced career reinvention myself
- Optimism; I believe in possibility, especially when others see obstacles
- Respect; For every culture, every person, every valid perspective
- Determination; I finish what I start, whether it's a doctoral dissertation or a business challenge
What others value about working with me:
I bring a unique combination: French attention to detail meets Australian "can-do" attitude. European strategic thinking meets Pacific pragmatism. The sophistication of leading employer organisations meets the humility of starting over in a new country.
But more than that: I genuinely care about success. Whether as executive leader, team member, or strategic adviser, my commitment is the same, understanding challenges deeply and applying everything I've learned to overcome them.
Professional Foundation
Education & Qualifications
- Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), European City University, Paris | Major: Hospitality & Business Management
- MBA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, Excelia Business School, La Rochelle | UNWTO TedQual Certification
- Industrial Relations Certificate, INTEPF National Institute, Lyon
- Master in Law, University of Nantes | Major: French & European Labour Law
- Master in Human Resources, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Nantes | Major: Sociology of Organisations
Languages & Mobility
- French (Native - Fluent) | English (Professional Working Proficiency)
- Dual Nationality: French & Australian | Internationally Mobile
- Based in: Perth, Western Australia
For detailed career history and achievements: View my full professional journey →
Ready to Connect?
I'm currently seeking Executive Director, General Manager, or strategic leadership roles where:
- Cross-sector perspective creates competitive advantage
- Stakeholder complexity requires sophisticated navigation
- Mission and margin both matter
- Cultural intelligence drives success
- Fresh thinking challenges "we've always done it this way"
Recently, I've become fascinated by how AI is transforming not just what we do, but how we work together and lead through change. It connects directly to everything I've learned about helping people and organisations thrive during transformation
Target sectors: Non-profit associations, industry bodies, chambers of commerce, hospitality, tourism, education, social enterprise, bilateral trade organisations
Open to: Permanent positions, contract missions, interim executive leadership, strategic advisory engagements
Location: Perth-based, internationally mobile
Or simply reach out if:
- You're building France-Australia connections
- You value leaders who've navigated both profit and purpose
- You're curious about how diverse executive experience might solve your challenges
I'd welcome the conversation.
Contact Me
Ready to Connect?
I'm currently seeking Executive Director, General Manager, or strategic leadership roles where:
- Cross-sector perspective creates competitive advantage
- Stakeholder complexity requires sophisticated navigation
- Mission and margin both matter
- Cultural intelligence drives success
- Fresh thinking challenges "we've always done it this way"
Recently, I've become fascinated by how AI is transforming not just what we do, but how we work together and lead through change. It connects directly to everything I've learned about helping people and organisations thrive during transformation.
Target sectors: Non-profit associations, industry bodies, chambers of commerce, hospitality, tourism, education, social enterprise, bilateral trade organisations
Open to: Permanent positions, contract missions, interim executive leadership, strategic advisory engagements
Location: Perth-based, internationally mobile
Or simply reach out if:
- You're building France-Australia connections
- You value leaders who've navigated both profit and purpose
- You're curious about how diverse executive experience might solve your challenges
I'd welcome the conversation.
Or simply reach out if:
- You're building France-Australia connections
- You value leaders who've navigated both profit and purpose
- You're curious about how diverse executive experience might solve your challenges
I'd welcome the conversation.