Profile
Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe: a patron redefining the boundaries of its commitment alongside Paris Brain Institute
We met with Éric Charpentier, CEO of Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe (CMNE), one of the few banks with “mission-driven company” status. He talked to us about the company’s commitment as a Major Patron of Paris Brain Institute and its support for the first Foulées du Cortex race.
Can you tell us about CMNE as a socially responsible company, particularly with regard to its sponsorship policy?
At Crédit Mutuel, there is a strong and long-standing culture of social engagement. It’s a common thread throughout the organization, with a societal focus through a dedicated dividend. CMNE also has its own foundation, which implements its social engagement activities locally and works to promote regional development. Beyond its foundation, CMNE is also involved in actions to promote health. This is fundamental: how can we be present in society and not be concerned about helping in this field?
How did you learn about Paris Brain Institute, and why did you decide to get involved?
An administrator of one of our subsidiaries was a patron of the Institute. He thought we might be interested, and he was right! We were aware that brain diseases are on the increase due to the aging population, and we decided to approach the Institute and support its research. The scope for progress is enormous!
Is this a long-standing commitment?
The first agreement was signed shortly after the Institute was established in 2010. While we were quickly won over by its concept and mission, meeting with Professor Gérard Saillant, the Institute’s President, and its researchers at conferences completely convinced us that it was the right organization for us to support.
What form does that support take?
There is a fixed annual allowance of €25,000, and we have also created a “health” financial product. We donate 0.7% of the funds raised to the Institute, which can amount to nearly €200,000 depending on the year. And now we also support Les Foulées du Cortex.
CMNE was the only corporate partner for the first edition of “Les Foulées du Cortex”. Did you want to expand your support?
Yes, we liked the concept of this “connected race”, so we wanted to support it! We are funding a total distance of 35,000 km, which equates to €35,000 for research.
How is your partnership with Paris Brain Institute shared with your employees?
Everything about the brain is magical, but at the same time unsettling. We organized conferences featuring Professor Saillant and other researchers. Our employees and elected officials have recognized the importance of research into brain diseases and have expressed huge satisfaction and pride in being involved in this field in some way.
So it’s an obvious fit for CMNE to be engaged in this fight?
Everyone has a loved one affected by a brain disease. This is a societal issue, and we cannot remain on the sidelines of what will be a major topic in the coming years.
Is it also a matter of trust?
When you visit Paris Brain Institute, you discover a world of progress where researchers come from all over the world to revolutionize the treatment of brain diseases. I have had trust in it from the beginning, and that belief is constantly reaffirmed by the Institute’s development and the breakthroughs published by its researchers. At CMNE, we are proud to support the Institute’s excellent teams who share their discoveries with us “beyond the lab”.
