Xavier Guichard on Sud Radio: a sustainable vision for business

On Sunday 13 July, Xavier Guichard, Chairman and CEO of the Manutan Group, was a guest on Osez Entreprendre, a programme hosted by Thomas Binet on Sud Radio. This was an opportunity to reflect on the company’s key milestones, its vision, and the drivers that have made the Group a European leader in B2B e-commerce.

Founded in 1966, the Manutan Group is now present in 17 countries through 25 subsidiaries, with 2,500 employees and over 1 million customers. As a family-owned and independent business, Manutan has always evolved with the times, “making the right strategic shifts by focusing on meaningful innovation that serves the market,” as Xavier Guichard explains. These shifts include European expansion as early as the 1970s, and the move to digital with the launch of the first e-commerce websites in the early 2000s.

In the face of global competition, the Group draws its strength from its desire to do business for a better world.

Xavier explains: "We stand out by being different. CSR and positive-impact offers are key pillars. But most importantly, we have a very strong corporate culture. Our employees are committed because we give real meaning to that commitment. This gives us great agility to adapt to changing market conditions."

This vision has enabled us to maintain uninterrupted growth for the past 15 years and recently pass the symbolic milestone of €1 billion in revenue – all while remaining true to our values.

Through this interview, Xavier Guichard highlights that long-term performance relies above all on people, engagement, and a clear long-term vision. A conviction that has guided us from the beginning – and continues to shape our future.