Edouard Maurel, Alumnus and VP Strategy at Graitec, sets the perfect tempo

Edouard Maurel (Class of 2009, Mechanical Engineering) followed an unconventional path from Mechanical Engineering to high-tech business strategy. A portrait of an innovation manager who perfectly masters time—both the development of Graitec, where he is VP Strategy, and his personal life.

"I’ve always loved technology," says Edouard Maurel. "In prep school, I specialized in industrial sciences, which is why I chose to pursue a Master's in Mechanical Engineering at ENS Paris-Saclay." He interned at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), working on the industrialization of microfluidic mixers. "These are capillaries as thin as a hair, capable of mixing fluids in very small quantities, with applications in the health sector," he explains. This experience was pivotal for him: "the four best months of my life!" — not only for the unprecedented resources available for his research but also for the enriching student life on the American campus.

The Call of Consulting

Drawn to the world of consulting, Edouard broadened his academic background, first with a Master’s in Supply Chain from École Centrale Paris, followed by another Master’s in Finance at HEC. "I checked all the boxes!" he says with a smile. "In research, you solve a detailed problem in three years. In consulting, you do it in three weeks: you deal with a multitude of different subjects. You advise all industries, all functions. That’s precisely what shaped my career," he explains.

Edouard joined McKinsey in 2016. Over eight years, he alternated between consulting assignments and other experiences, as career progression in the consulting firm followed a structured path. During a "secondment," he worked at Numa, a startup incubator. "I facilitated collaboration between startups, large international groups, and institutions on smart city applications." At Numa, he adeptly handled technical, financial, and marketing challenges, as well as applications from over 100 startups.

The Metronome of Transformation

In 2020, Edouard was recruited by Graitec, a French company leading in software development for the construction sector. "Over the past 30 years, a significant portion of buildings in France have used our solutions at some point. An iconic example is the Stade de France, but there are others abroad, like The Sphere in Las Vegas," says Edouard, now VP Strategy. Recently, Graitec distinguished itself during the Paris Olympic Games. "Our structural calculation software was used to design the platforms for GOJIRA's performance on the façade of the Conciergerie."

According to him, the sector is booming. The company now generates about 300 million euros in revenue, half of which comes from North America. "Its decision-making center is in France, which allows me to have a real impact on its development. With 600–700 employees, it’s the perfect size: large enough to be a key player, but small enough for me to influence its trajectory."

Beyond defining strategic directions, Edouard oversees the software business. His daily routine includes frequent travel to meet teams and subsidiaries. "Building relationships is essential for me," he admits. "I see myself as the metronome of the company’s transformation: I ensure we’re moving at the right pace—neither too fast, to avoid breaking what works, nor too slow, to stay ahead of the competition."

A World Tour for a Fresh Start

When it comes to time management, Edouard also excels on a personal level. He didn’t hesitate to take a six-month break to travel the world. "Brazil, Panama, Polynesia, New Zealand, China... The goal was to discover new horizons and take a real pause," he says. He plans to repeat the experience soon, especially since it had no negative impact on his career. "To my great surprise, I returned with incredible energy, a clear mind, and multiplied motivation."

A Custom-Tailored Journey

For Edouard, the education at ENS Paris-Saclay is unparalleled. It offers both highly specialized technical training and the freedom to build a personalized path thanks to its diversity of disciplines. "Today, I hardly do any technical work, but I can engage with my various stakeholders on complex issues."

When he needs expert advice, he doesn’t hesitate to reach out to his former classmates. "I’m in contact with many alumni," he says, delighted with the ongoing efforts to revitalize the alumni network.