Xavier is the Director of the EDF Energy R&D UK Centre, leading EDF Group research and development activities in the UK. Set up as a fully international team, EDF Energy R&D UK Centre is engaged in projects in support of EDF Energy and works across the whole energy value chain – including Nuclear, Offshore Wind, Energy management, Energy Efficiency, Smart Meters, Electric Vehicles and Digital Innovation – in close relationship with the major industrial, academic and governmental organisations in the UK.

Prior to his current role, Xavier was directing a department at EDF R&D in France dealing with electricity system economics and technologies, working on renewable and storage integration and impact on the electricity system. He also successfully steered the creation of an institute for photovoltaic technology development and innovation in France (IPVF) bringing together industrial (EDF, Total, Air Liquide), academic and government partners. As part of his previous experience, Xavier spent four years in the Silicon Valley in California, as international program manager for EDF, in charge of leading and developing strategic partnerships in the field of innovative smart grids technologies. From an engineering background (MSc in electricity and computer science), Xavier holds an MBA from London Business School and Columbia University and brings more than 15 years of experience in the electricity sector.