Thierry Collot leaves Colart for retirement this week!
It is with much emotion that I announce the retirement of Thierry Collot after an amazing 39 years with Colart.
Thierry first joined Colart in 1985 in a sales role and then in 1987 moved into a marketing role – sparking his lifelong love of the Lefranc Bourgeois Brand. In 1993 Thierry took on global responsibility for the Lefranc Bourgeois Brand and helped to spearhead its international development. In 2000 Thierry became the Commercial Director of Colart France and then in 2008 Thierry also took on responsibility for the Le Mans site. Since the second half of 2015 Thierry was the Commercial Director for Southern Europe (covering France, Italy and Iberia) and for the last year following the appointment of Jake Kersey to the role of General Manager for Europe, Thierry took on the newly created role of Director for External Relations in France. In the past year he has ensured the creation of a true legacy for both the Lefranc Bourgois Brand, as well as ensured the continuation of the deep relationships between the Le Mans site and its many stakeholders.
In addition to all the value that Thierry has added to the business in a professional capacity, none of us can remain untouched by having known and spent time with this gentle, funny, humble and undoubtedly French gentleman. We have seen first hand his passion for the Brands, for art and for artists, for his team and for his family and Thierry leaves a little bit of himself with all of us as he leaves Colart to start his well-deserved retirement.
I know that everyone will join me in wishing him a wonderful, happy, healthy and enjoyable next chapter where art will live on in his heart and soul.
Bonne retraite Thierry !!
Gail
Thierry the legend! A deserved retirement and you will be missed but I know you stay a staunch brand ambassador for us 💕
I cannot express fully in words the help and advice Thierry has given me – always generous to listen, consider and respond. An absolute ambassador for the arts, our brands, our company and even the city of Le Mans – and all with such a humble approach. Thierry, you will be truly missed, but I know the next chapter is to be written and the next painting to created……and I am sure more time for the arts, travel and Olympique Marseille – ‘Droit Au But’ my amazing friend.
Well said Steve, well said!
As you step into retirement, I just want to take a moment to express how much you’ve impacted all of us who had the privilege of working alongside you.
Your passion for your work has been nothing short of inspiring. Beyond your remarkable professionalism, you’ve been an extraordinary mentor—always ready to share your wisdom, provide guidance and advice.
Working with you has been a privilege, and your absence will certainly be felt. But knowing you, retirement will be just another adventure where you’ll bring the same enthusiasm and passion that you always do. 💕👋🏽
All Iberia Team will miss you sure. 😪🧡. Waiting to see you in Madrid to celebrate this new chapter of your life.
Thierry, in Dutch we say this is the day you knew was going to come… but then you can never be ready for it.
Although I have no doubt that you are ready as your calendar has always been filled for the lives of 3 people… I do not know how you managed it all.
I have learned lots from you and I will miss you during comex, having a French view on the business (we need more diverse teams with more diverse points of view I think).
As Gail states, you have always shown passion, ambition and deep care from a personal level, but have always been a team player.
Thank you for 39 years of your life and I wish you tons of love, enjoyment and adventure for the next 39 years!
Congrats Thierry on this amazing journey with Colart! Italian Team will miss you too ! Wishing you all the best for this exciting new chapter. I’m sure it’ll be full of great adventures! Don’t forget, we’re waiting for you in Milan or any other beautiful Italian city 🙂
When I started at Colart in January 2009 I attended my first North American sales and marketing meeting, and Thierry was in attendance. I was excited but also a bit nervous. Thierry was one of the first people to introduce himself and was so kind in welcoming me that I immediately felt at ease. Thierry has a way of looking you directly in the eye with a big smile when he greets you so you that you feel genuinely seen and heard.
Thierry, I wish you all the best in retirement my friend, you deserve only good things in your life!
Thierry, For me, Colart will not be the same without you. Your vision, inclusion and insight will be so greatly missed and has been appreciated by every artist, curator and conservator that met with you. Thank you for being so kind as well as utterly brilliant. I wish you the very, very best. Stephanie
Dearest Thierry, I’m genuinely grateful to have had the chance to work you. Witnessing your passion, expertise, and kindness has been truly inspiring. You’re always been so helpful and supportive, and I’ll miss our short but meaningful interactions. Wishing you a long, exciting, and enjoyable retirement—it’s so well-deserved!
Heureusement que nous avons notre lot de consolation: tes visites régulières à Paris!! Néanmoins profite-bien de ta retraite!!
All the best Thierry, keep flowing through the next chapter as you well know; taking care of yourself, enjoying life with a smile in your face and touching others in the heart.
Me and Colart will certainly miss you, it was a privilege working and learning from you… will wait for your visit in Spain or Portugal soon to celebrate your retirement!
Time flies! I clearly remember when we all accompanied our French customers on their journey to China. You were such a gentleman. Wishing you all the best and may you enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
Thank you very much Thierry,
for your open ear, your incredible openness and friendliness.
It is an honor for me to have gotten to know you as a person and colleague.
I wish you all the best for everything that may come your way.
Michael Großkreutz
What a career, one we would all aspire to. Thank you for all the support, encouragement and kind moments over the years we have worked together. You are an inspiration for so many and I am sure that will continue in your future. All the best for the next chapter and I hope we can see you in Le Mans soon.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter of life. Enjoy every moment of your well-deserved retirement! I’ll always cherish the memory of my first visit to Le Mans. You were so warm, welcoming, and an incredible host. That visit wasn’t just an opportunity to learn more about Colart but also a chance to get to know you better—your inspiring career and your wonderful family. You will be deeply missed, Thierry! Congratulations on an amazing journey and all the best for the adventures ahead!
Thierry, you are amazing and we miss you already. Thank you for everything.
Best of luck Thierry!