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Jean-Claude DecauxOwner of the advertising company “JC Decaux”
Date of Birth: 15.09.1937
Country:  France |
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Biography of Jean-Claude Decaux
Jean-Claude Decaux, the owner of the advertising company "JC Decaux," is currently estimated to have a net worth of $4.2 billion by Forbes magazine. He ranks 154th on the list of the world's wealthiest individuals. Decaux was born on September 15, 1937, in the town of Beauvais, France. He is one of the most prominent businessmen in France. Jean-Claude achieved everything in his life on his own. He did not have the opportunity to attend prestigious business schools or possess theoretical knowledge of how to build a business. However, he had a strong desire to work and excellent intuition.
Creating JC Decaux
In the 1950s, Decaux decided to open a company for manufacturing and placing billboard advertisements. However, this project did not last long as the French government banned most billboard advertisements. Undeterred, Decaux became the founder of the international group "JC Decaux." The company's headquarters are located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. In 1964, his firm almost went bankrupt. One day, while walking down the street, Jean Decaux had the idea to build bus shelters and, in return, have the right to place his advertisements there. The French government liked this idea, and it also found echoes in Europe.
Revolutionizing Outdoor Advertising
Decaux began attracting the best designers, such as Philippe Starck and Mario Bellini, to create "street furniture." The design was so stylish and fashionable that many major companies started offering significant sums of money to place their advertisements there. You can see advertisements for Chanel and Louis Vuitton there. Jean-Claude Decaux revolutionized advertising by proving that outdoor advertising could be just as valuable as any other form. The business of Decaux's company rapidly expanded. Its advertising network spread throughout Europe and reached the United States. The company's offices are now located in more than 40 countries worldwide, employing 7,900 staff members. One of their innovations was the invention of the modern public toilet called the "Sanisette."
Family Business
"JC Decaux" is a family business. Jean-Claude Decaux handed over the management rights of the company to his children, 43-year-old Jean-François and 33-year-old Jean-Charles. Currently, the Decaux family owns 69% of the company's shares. The company's annual turnover is approximately €1.5 billion. In 2002, with the assistance of JC Decaux, a new Grand Prix award was introduced at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the category of "Best Outdoor Advertising."
Jean-Claude Decaux's net worth is currently estimated at $4.2 billion by Forbes magazine. He ranks 154th on the list of the world's wealthiest individuals.
