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CIEL Group, a prominent international conglomerate, has announced a leadership transition, with Jean-Pierre Dalais appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.
He succeeds Arnaud Dalais, who is retiring from the chairmanship after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Arnaud Dalais will, however, continue to contribute to the group as a non-executive director.
Arnaud Dalais's leadership has been pivotal to CIEL's growth. Joining the group in 1977, he served for 11 years as Chairman, playing a "major role in the development" and diversification of the group. His tenure was marked by a "strong strategic vision" that enabled CIEL to expand its presence across key sectors and regions, ensuring structured governance and a clear strategy guided by the group's founding values. Arnaud Dalais expressed confidence in his successor, stating, "It is time to pass the torch to Jean-Pierre. I wish him every success in this new role".
Jean-Pierre Dalais brings extensive experience, having served as Group Chief Executive from 2017 to 2024 and then Vice-Chairman since 2024. During his time as CEO, he led CIEL through a "phase of strategic transformation" with a strong emphasis on "operational excellence and international expansion".
Jean-Pierre Dalais paid tribute to his predecessor’s leadership, describing it as defined by "rigour, integrity, and vision". He affirmed his commitment to building on the group's journey with the support of the Board, the teams, and the current Group Chief Executive, Guillaume Dalais.
Founded in 1912, CIEL Group is a diversified entity listed on the Mauritius Stock Exchange and SEMSI. It operates in over 10 countries across Africa and Asia, with a robust presence in six strategic sectors: agriculture, finance, health, hospitality, real estate, and textile. Employing 37,500 people, the group reported an annual turnover of approximately Rs 35.2 billion as of June 30, 2024.
This leadership change signals a continued focus on strategic growth for a group with significant global interests, including its notable footprint in real estate.
