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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Tidjane Thiam
| name = Tidjane Thiam
| image       = Tidjane Thiam, 2015, London (cropped).jpg
| image = Tidjane Thiam, 2015, London (cropped).jpg
| caption     = Thiam in 2015
| caption = Thiam in 2015
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1962|7|29|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1962|7|29|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Abidjan]], [[Ivory Coast]]
| birth_place = [[Abidjan]], [[Ivory Coast]]
| nationality = Ivorian
| nationality = Ivorian
| education   = [[INSEAD]] (MBA)
| occupation = Businessman, politician
| occupation  = Businessman, politician
| education = [[INSEAD]] (MBA)
| known_for   = CEO of [[Credit Suisse]] (2015–2020), CEO of [[Prudential plc]] (2009–2015)
| known_for = CEO of [[Credit Suisse]] (2015–2020), CEO of [[Prudential plc]] (2009–2015)
| spouse       = Annette Thiam (divorced)
| spouse = Annette Thiam (divorced)
| children     = 2
| children = 2
| party       = [[Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally]]
| party = [[Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally]]
}}
}}


'''Tidjane Thiam''' ({{IPA-fr|tidʒan tiam}}; born 29 July 1962) is an Ivorian businessman and politician who rose to international prominence as the chief executive officer of two of Europe's largest financial institutions. Born into a politically influential family in [[Abidjan]], Ivory Coast, Thiam navigated a career that spanned continents and sectors — from government service in his homeland, to the upper ranks of global management consulting, and ultimately to the leadership of [[Prudential plc|Prudential]] and [[Credit Suisse]]. He served as chief financial officer of Prudential from 2007 to 2009 before becoming its CEO, a role he held until 2015, when he departed to lead Credit Suisse as chief executive officer until February 2020.<ref name="atlas">{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam quits Prudential |url=https://www.atlas-mag.net/en/articles/tidjane-thiam-quits-prudential-0 |publisher=Atlas Magazine |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In 2019, Thiam became a member of the [[International Olympic Committee]].<ref name="bloomberg2025">{{cite news |date=2025-09-04 |title=Ex-Credit Suisse Boss Tidjane Thiam: 'I Don't Do Regrets' |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2025-tidjane-thiam-weekend-interview/ |work=Bloomberg.com |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His career in the private sector was followed by a turn toward Ivorian politics, though his candidacy for the presidency was formally barred ahead of the October 2025 election.<ref name="reuters2025">{{cite news |date=2025-09-08 |title=Ivory Coast formally bars ex-Credit Suisse chief from presidential race |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ivory-coast-formally-bars-ex-credit-suisse-chief-presidential-race-2025-09-08/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In 2025, Thiam published a memoir titled ''Without Prejudice'', reflecting on his career in global finance and his experiences with discrimination.<ref name="ft2025">{{cite news |date=2025-08-28 |title=Without Prejudice by Tidjane Thiam — from the Pru to politics |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d3365c78-e93e-44eb-9c62-d43189e70bda |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
'''Tidjane Thiam''' ({{IPA-fr|tidʒan tiam}}; born 29 July 1962) is an Ivorian businessman and politician who rose to international prominence as the chief executive officer of two of Europe's major financial institutions — [[Prudential plc]] and [[Credit Suisse]]. Born into a prominent political family in [[Abidjan]], [[Ivory Coast]], Thiam's career has traversed the worlds of management consulting, government service, insurance, banking, and electoral politics. He served as the chief financial officer of Prudential from 2007 to 2009 before becoming the company's CEO, a position he held until 2015, when he was recruited to lead Credit Suisse.<ref name="atlas">{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam quits Prudential |url=https://www.atlas-mag.net/en/articles/tidjane-thiam-quits-prudential-0 |publisher=Atlas Magazine |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His appointment at Prudential made him one of the first black chief executives of a [[FTSE 100]] company. After departing Credit Suisse in February 2020, Thiam turned his attention to politics in his native Ivory Coast, declaring his candidacy for the country's presidential election, though he was ultimately barred from contesting the October 2025 race.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |date=2025-09-08 |title=Ivory Coast formally bars ex-Credit Suisse chief from presidential race |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ivory-coast-formally-bars-ex-credit-suisse-chief-presidential-race-2025-09-08/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In 2019, Thiam became a member of the [[International Olympic Committee]]. He published a memoir, ''Without Prejudice'', in 2025.<ref name="ft">{{cite news |date=2025-08-28 |title=Without Prejudice by Tidjane Thiam — from the Pru to politics |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d3365c78-e93e-44eb-9c62-d43189e70bda |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Tidjane Thiam was born on 29 July 1962 in [[Abidjan]], the economic capital of the [[Ivory Coast]]. He was born into a prominent political family in the country.<ref name="bloomberg2025" /> His background in one of West Africa's most politically connected families provided him with early exposure to the worlds of governance and public service, which would later inform his career in both the private and public sectors.
Tidjane Thiam was born on 29 July 1962 in Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. He was born into a prominent political family in the West African nation.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |date=2025-05-02 |title=Tidjane Thiam: 'I was born Ivorian' says bank boss barred from running for president |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99pd5xkn8zo |work=BBC News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Thiam held dual Ivorian and French nationality between 1987 and 2025.<ref name="bbc" /> His family background in Ivorian public life would later inform both his government service in the 1990s and his eventual entry into presidential politics decades later.


Thiam held dual Ivorian and French nationality from 1987 until 2025.<ref name="bbc2025">{{cite news |date=2025-05-02 |title=Tidjane Thiam: 'I was born Ivorian' says bank boss barred from running for president |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99pd5xkn8zo |work=BBC |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His relationship with France was both formative and complex. In a 2009 essay published by the Institut Montaigne, Thiam described France as "an idea" and being French as "an emotion," reflecting on the significance of his dual identity and his deep connection to the country in which he was educated and began his professional career.<ref>{{cite web |title=La France est une idée, être français une émotion – par Tidjane Thiam |url=http://www.institutmontaigne.org/desideespourdemain/index.php/2009/10/09/366-la-france-est-une-idee-etre-francais-une-emotion-par-tidjane-thiam |publisher=Institut Montaigne |date=2009-10-09 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His memoir, published in 2025, further explored the theme of identity, including what he described as a long fight against prejudice throughout his career.<ref name="bloomberg2025" />
Thiam left the Ivory Coast to pursue his education in France, where he studied advanced mathematics and physics. His academic trajectory led him to some of France's most prestigious institutions of higher learning, a path that would provide the intellectual foundation for his subsequent career in consulting, government, and finance.<ref name="ft" /> The ''Financial Times'', reviewing his 2025 memoir, noted the significance of his formation as a ''Polytechnicien'' — a graduate of the elite [[École Polytechnique]] — and described him as "an overachieving maths and science" student.<ref name="ft" />
 
Growing up in the Ivory Coast during a period of relative economic prosperity and political stability under President [[Félix Houphouët-Boigny]], Thiam's early life was shaped by the intersection of African political tradition and French-influenced intellectual culture. In a 2025 interview with the BBC, Thiam declared, "I was born Ivorian," underscoring the centrality of his national identity despite decades spent living and working abroad.<ref name="bbc" />


== Education ==
== Education ==


Thiam pursued his higher education in France, where he studied advanced mathematics and physics. He attended the [[École Polytechnique]], one of France's most prestigious ''grandes écoles'', and subsequently studied at the [[Paris School of Mines]] (École des Mines de Paris).<ref name="ft2025" /> He later earned a [[Master of Business Administration]] from [[INSEAD]], the international business school based in Fontainebleau, France.<ref name="insead50">{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam – INSEAD at 50 |url=http://50.insead.edu/alumni/tidjane-thiam |publisher=INSEAD |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The combination of a rigorous scientific education at the Polytechnique and a graduate business degree from INSEAD provided Thiam with an unusual dual foundation in quantitative analysis and international business management that would prove instrumental in his subsequent career in consulting and financial services.
Thiam's education took place primarily in France and combined rigorous scientific training with business studies. He attended the [[École Polytechnique]], one of France's ''[[grandes écoles]]'', where he received training in advanced mathematics and physics.<ref name="ft" /> He subsequently studied at the [[Paris School of Mines]] (École des Mines de Paris), another elite French engineering school. Thiam later obtained a [[Master of Business Administration]] (MBA) from [[INSEAD]], the international business school based in Fontainebleau, France.<ref name="insead">{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam |url=http://50.insead.edu/alumni/tidjane-thiam |publisher=INSEAD |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
This combination of scientific and business education — spanning three of France's and Europe's most selective academic institutions — equipped Thiam with the analytical rigour and strategic perspective that characterized his later career in management consulting and corporate leadership. INSEAD later recognized Thiam among its distinguished alumni.<ref name="insead_trophies">{{cite web |title=INSEAD Trophies |url=http://www.insead.edu/alumni/newsletter/June2007/INSEADTrophies.htm |publisher=INSEAD |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== McKinsey & Company (1986–1994) ===
=== McKinsey & Company (1986–1994) ===


After completing his education, Thiam joined the international management consultancy [[McKinsey & Company]] in 1986. He worked at the firm for eight years, until 1994, during which time he gained extensive experience in strategic consulting across multiple industries and geographies. His time at McKinsey provided him with a rigorous analytical framework and broad exposure to corporate strategy, skills that would underpin his later career in both government service and financial services leadership.
Following his studies, Thiam joined the management consulting firm [[McKinsey & Company]] in 1986. He worked at McKinsey for eight years, until 1994, gaining experience in strategic consulting that would prove foundational for his subsequent career in both the public and private sectors. During this period, Thiam developed expertise in corporate strategy and organizational management across multiple industries and geographies.


=== Government Service in the Ivory Coast (1994–1999) ===
=== Government Service in the Ivory Coast (1994–1999) ===


In 1994, Thiam returned to the Ivory Coast to take up a senior role in the country's public sector. He was appointed chief executive of the National Bureau for Technical Studies (BNETD), a government agency responsible for technical and infrastructure planning.<ref name="worldbank">{{cite web |title=Partnerships – Thiam |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/Partnerships/KP_EACThiam.pdf |publisher=World Bank |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this capacity, Thiam oversaw major development projects and contributed to the Ivory Coast's economic planning during a period of relative stability in the country.
In 1994, Thiam returned to the Ivory Coast to take up a role in the public sector. He was appointed chief executive of the National Bureau for Technical Studies (Bureau National d'Études Techniques et de Développement, or BNETD), the Ivorian government's principal technical and development planning agency.<ref>{{cite web |title=Côte d'Ivoire Fact Sheet |url=http://www.fdi.net/documents/WorldBank/databases/plink/factsheets/cote_dIvoire.htm |publisher=Foreign Direct Investment |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this role, Thiam was responsible for overseeing major infrastructure and development projects in the country.
 
During his tenure at BNETD, Thiam was involved in efforts related to the Ivory Coast's economic development and participated in knowledge-sharing initiatives with international organizations including the [[World Bank]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Partnerships — Thiam |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/Partnerships/KP_EACThiam.pdf |publisher=World Bank |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=KP EAC Terms of Reference |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/KP_EAC_TOR.pdf |publisher=World Bank |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His tenure in government service came to an abrupt end with the [[1999 Ivorian coup d'état]], which overthrew the government of President [[Henri Konan Bédié]]. The political upheaval forced Thiam to leave the Ivory Coast and resume his career in the private sector in Europe.<ref name="african_business">{{cite news |date=2025-12-03 |title=Thiam: from business to politics – and back again? |url=https://african.business/2025/12/trade-investment/thiam-from-business-to-politics-and-back-again |work=African Business |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Thiam's period of government service came to an abrupt end with the [[1999 Ivorian coup d'état]], which overthrew the government of President [[Henri Konan Bédié]]. The political upheaval prompted Thiam to leave the Ivory Coast and resume his career in the private sector in Europe.


=== Return to McKinsey and Aviva (2000–2007) ===
=== Return to McKinsey and Aviva (2000–2007) ===


Following the coup, Thiam returned to Europe and rejoined McKinsey & Company in Paris in 2000, where he worked as a consultant until 2002. He then moved into the insurance industry, joining [[Aviva]], one of the United Kingdom's largest insurance and financial services groups, as a senior executive. His time at Aviva gave him direct operational experience in the insurance sector and positioned him as a candidate for even more senior roles in financial services.
After the coup, Thiam returned to Paris and rejoined McKinsey & Company in 2000, where he worked as a consultant until 2002. He then moved into the insurance industry, joining [[Aviva]], one of the United Kingdom's largest insurance companies, as a senior executive. His time at Aviva provided him with direct experience in the financial services sector and positioned him for his subsequent move to Prudential.
 
=== Prudential plc (2007–2015) ===


Thiam was recruited by [[Prudential plc]], the British multinational insurance and financial services company, joining as group chief financial officer in 2007.<ref name="prudential_board">{{cite web |title=Our Board |url=http://www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/aboutpru/ourpeople/ourboard/ |publisher=Prudential plc |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In 2009, he was promoted to chief executive officer, making him the first black person to lead a [[FTSE 100]] company.<ref name="voice">{{cite web |title=Black Britain's Most Influential |url=http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/black-britains-most-influential |publisher=The Voice |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Prudential (2007–2015) ===


As CEO, Thiam oversaw Prudential's continued expansion in Asia, which he identified as a key growth market for the group. Under his leadership, Prudential increased its focus on high-growth emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Greater China. The company reported strong financial results during his tenure; the 2010 full-year results presented under Thiam's leadership demonstrated the firm's growing presence in Asian markets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Full Year Results 2010 |url=http://www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/investors/resultspresentations/results/ra2011/fy_res10/fy_res10.pdf |publisher=Prudential plc |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Thiam was recruited by [[Prudential plc]], the British insurance and financial services group, in 2007, initially serving as the company's chief financial officer (CFO).<ref name="prudential_board">{{cite web |title=Our Board |url=http://www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/aboutpru/ourpeople/ourboard/ |publisher=Prudential plc |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In 2009, he was elevated to the position of chief executive officer, a role he would hold for six years until 2015.<ref name="atlas" />


One of the most significant and controversial episodes of Thiam's time at Prudential was his attempt to acquire [[AIA Group]], the Asian insurance arm of [[American International Group]] (AIG), in 2010. The proposed deal, valued at approximately $35.5 billion, would have created one of the world's largest life insurance companies. However, the bid ultimately failed after AIG chose to pursue an [[initial public offering]] for AIA instead, and Prudential's shareholders expressed concerns about the deal's terms and execution risk.<ref>{{cite news |title=AIG said to select Tucker to succeed AIA's Wilson |url=http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-19/aig-said-to-select-tucker-to-succeed-aia-s-wilson |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Thiam's appointment as CEO of Prudential was a landmark event in British corporate history: he became one of the first black chief executives of a FTSE 100 company, and the first African-born leader of a major European financial institution of that scale.<ref name="voice">{{cite web |title=Black Britain's Most Influential |url=http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/black-britains-most-influential |publisher=The Voice |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His tenure at Prudential was marked by a strategic focus on expanding the company's operations in Asia, which Thiam identified as the primary engine of future growth for the insurer.


Despite the failed AIA bid, Thiam continued to lead Prudential through a period of growth. He remained CEO until 2015, serving a total of approximately five and a half years in the role before departing to take the leadership of Credit Suisse.<ref name="atlas" />
Under his leadership, Prudential pursued an ambitious bid in 2010 to acquire [[AIA Group]], the Asian insurance subsidiary of the troubled American insurer [[American International Group]] (AIG).<ref>{{cite news |date=2010-07-19 |title=AIG Said to Select Tucker to Succeed AIA's Wilson |url=http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-19/aig-said-to-select-tucker-to-succeed-aia-s-wilson |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Although the AIA acquisition ultimately did not proceed in the form originally proposed, Prudential continued to build its Asian business during Thiam's tenure. The company's financial results during this period reflected this strategic emphasis.<ref>{{cite web |title=Full Year Results 2010 |url=http://www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/investors/resultspresentations/results/ra2011/fy_res10/fy_res10.pdf |publisher=Prudential plc |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


During his time at Prudential, Thiam also took on several external advisory roles. He served as a member of the UK Prime Minister's [[Business Advisory Group]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Business Advisory Group |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/business-advisory-group |publisher=UK Government |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He was also involved in international economic policy discussions, including as a member of a high-level panel associated with the [[G20]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Communiqué – High Level Panel |url=http://www.g20.org/Documents2011/02/COMMUNIQUE_HLP.pdf |publisher=G20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HLP Full Report |url=http://www.g20-g8.com/g8-g20/root/bank_objects/HLP_-_Full_report.pdf |publisher=G20/G8 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Additionally, Thiam served on the [[Africa Progress Panel]], contributing to its 2012 annual report.<ref>{{cite web |title=Africa Progress Panel – Annual Report 2012 |url=http://africaprogresspanel.org/en/publications/annual-reports/annual-report-2012/ |publisher=Africa Progress Panel |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Thiam also engaged in public policy discussions during his time at Prudential. He was a member of the UK Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group, advising the British government on economic and business matters.<ref name="gov_uk">{{cite web |title=Business Advisory Group |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/business-advisory-group |publisher=UK Government |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Additionally, Thiam contributed to international economic discussions through the [[G20]], participating in a High Level Panel that produced recommendations on infrastructure financing and development.<ref>{{cite web |title=Communique — High Level Panel |url=http://www.g20.org/Documents2011/02/COMMUNIQUE_HLP.pdf |publisher=G20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HLP Full Report |url=http://www.g20-g8.com/g8-g20/root/bank_objects/HLP_-_Full_report.pdf |publisher=G20/G8 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Prudential announced Thiam's departure in March 2014, with a transition period extending into 2015 to allow for an orderly handover.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prudential – 12 March 2014 |url=http://www.prudential.co.uk/media/group-news-releases/2014/12-03-2014 |publisher=Prudential plc |date=2014-03-12 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In March 2014, Prudential announced that Thiam would step down as CEO.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prudential News Release, 12 March 2014 |url=http://www.prudential.co.uk/media/group-news-releases/2014/12-03-2014 |publisher=Prudential plc |date=2014-03-12 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He departed the company in 2015 to take up the leadership of Credit Suisse.<ref name="atlas" />


=== Credit Suisse (2015–2020) ===
=== Credit Suisse (2015–2020) ===


In March 2015, Thiam took over as chief executive officer of [[Credit Suisse]], the Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company.<ref name="atlas" /> His appointment marked a significant shift in the bank's leadership and strategy. At Credit Suisse, Thiam embarked on a restructuring programme that aimed to reduce the bank's reliance on volatile investment banking revenues in favour of wealth management, particularly in Asia and other emerging markets.
In March 2015, Thiam became the chief executive officer of [[Credit Suisse]], the Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company.<ref name="atlas" /> His appointment to lead one of Europe's most storied banking institutions represented another significant milestone in his career.


Thiam's tenure at Credit Suisse was marked by both strategic transformation and controversy. He sought to reposition the bank as a leading wealth management institution, scaling back its trading operations and reducing risk exposure. These structural changes involved significant cost-cutting measures and workforce reductions.
At Credit Suisse, Thiam embarked on a restructuring programme that sought to shift the bank's focus away from volatile investment banking activities toward wealth management, particularly serving high-net-worth clients in Asia and other growth markets. This strategic pivot mirrored aspects of his approach at Prudential, where he had similarly emphasized Asian growth opportunities.


Thiam served as CEO of Credit Suisse until February 2020, when he departed the bank amid a corporate espionage scandal involving the surveillance of former executives. The episode attracted significant media attention and ultimately led to Thiam's resignation, despite an internal investigation that did not directly implicate him in ordering the surveillance.<ref name="bloomberg2025" />
Thiam's tenure at Credit Suisse was not without controversy. In his final months as CEO, the bank was embroiled in a corporate espionage scandal involving the surveillance of former executives, which contributed to his departure from the firm in February 2020. In a 2025 interview with Bloomberg, Thiam reflected on his career, stating, "I don't do regrets."<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite news |date=2025-09-04 |title=Ex-Credit Suisse Boss Tidjane Thiam: 'I Don't Do Regrets' |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2025-tidjane-thiam-weekend-interview/ |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In the same interview, Thiam spoke about "his long fight against prejudice" throughout his career in European financial services.<ref name="bloomberg" />


=== Freedom Acquisition Corp and Complete Solaria ===
=== Post–Credit Suisse Activities ===


Following his departure from Credit Suisse, Thiam served as executive chairman of Freedom Acquisition Corp, a [[special-purpose acquisition company]] (SPAC). In 2023, Freedom Acquisition Corp merged with Complete Solaria, an American solar energy company, taking the latter public through the SPAC transaction.<ref name="african_business" />
Following his departure from Credit Suisse, Thiam took on several board and advisory roles. In 2020, shareholders of the [[Kering]] Foundation appointed him to its board of directors, where he also assumed the position of Chair of the Audit Committee.


=== Kering Foundation ===
Thiam served as executive chairman of Freedom Acquisition Corp, a [[special-purpose acquisition company]] (SPAC). Freedom Acquisition Corp merged with American solar energy company Complete Solaria in 2023, taking the latter public through the SPAC transaction.


In 2020, Thiam was appointed by the shareholders of the [[Kering|Kering Foundation]] to join its board of directors. He also assumed the position of Chair of the Audit Committee within the foundation.<ref name="african_business" />
In 2019, Thiam had become a member of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC), adding a role in international sports governance to his portfolio of activities.


== Political Career ==
=== Ivorian Presidential Bid (2024–2025) ===


=== Involvement in Ivorian Politics ===
Thiam's most significant post-banking endeavour was his entry into electoral politics in the Ivory Coast. He declared his intention to contest the country's presidential election, scheduled for October 2025, as a candidate of the [[Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally]] (PDCI-RDA), one of the country's principal opposition parties.<ref name="reuters" />


Thiam's political engagement in the Ivory Coast stemmed from his family's long-standing involvement in the country's political life. He is a member of the [[Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally]] (PDCI-RDA), one of the country's major political parties.
However, Thiam's candidacy encountered a significant legal obstacle. Ivorian authorities challenged his eligibility to run, a dispute that centred on his nationality. Thiam had held dual Ivorian and French citizenship between 1987 and 2025. In a 2025 interview with the BBC, Thiam pushed back against efforts to exclude him, declaring, "I was born Ivorian."<ref name="bbc" />


Following his departure from Credit Suisse in 2020, Thiam increasingly turned his attention toward Ivorian politics. He emerged as a prominent opposition figure and indicated his intention to contest the country's presidential election scheduled for October 2025.<ref name="bbc2025" />
In September 2025, the Ivory Coast formally barred Thiam — along with former President [[Laurent Gbagbo]] — from contesting the presidential election.<ref name="reuters" /> The Associated Press reported in June 2025 that Thiam had been excluded from the country's final list of presidential candidates.<ref name="ap">{{cite news |date=2025-06-04 |title=Ivory Coast opposition leader Thiam is excluded from the list of presidential candidates |url=https://apnews.com/article/ivory-coast-president-elections-thiam-ea70420e6bade3c8f13d6d6109d2ab57 |work=AP News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Thiam challenged the court decision removing him from the electoral roll, but was ultimately unsuccessful.<ref name="bbc" />


However, Thiam's presidential ambitions were blocked by Ivorian authorities. In 2025, the question of his nationality became a central issue. Thiam had held dual Ivorian and French nationality since 1987, but Ivorian electoral law required candidates to hold exclusively Ivorian nationality. Although Thiam renounced his French citizenship, his candidacy was challenged. In May 2025, Thiam stated publicly, "I was born Ivorian," in response to a court decision that removed him from the electoral roll.<ref name="bbc2025" />
His exclusion from the race was covered extensively by international media. ''African Business'' magazine described Thiam as "one of Africa's most prominent global CEOs" and characterised his trajectory as spanning "the world of high finance and low politics."<ref name="african_business">{{cite news |date=2025-12-03 |title=Thiam: from business to politics – and back again? |url=https://african.business/2025/12/trade-investment/thiam-from-business-to-politics-and-back-again |work=African Business |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


In September 2025, the Ivory Coast's constitutional council formally barred Thiam from the presidential race, along with former President [[Laurent Gbagbo]].<ref name="reuters2025" /> In June 2025, Thiam was excluded from the country's final list of presidential candidates.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-06-04 |title=Ivory Coast opposition leader Thiam is excluded from the list of presidential candidates |url=https://apnews.com/article/ivory-coast-president-elections-thiam-ea70420e6bade3c8f13d6d6109d2ab57 |work=AP News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The exclusion drew international attention and was seen by some observers as a politically motivated decision to prevent a credible opposition challenge.<ref name="bloomberg2025" />
== Personal Life ==
 
In a 2025 interview with Bloomberg, Thiam addressed his political setbacks, stating, "I don't do regrets," and discussing what he described as a long fight against prejudice throughout both his corporate and political careers.<ref name="bloomberg2025" />


== Personal Life ==
Thiam held dual Ivorian and French nationality between 1987 and 2025.<ref name="bbc" /> In a 2009 essay, Thiam reflected on his relationship with France, writing that "France is an idea; being French, an emotion."<ref>{{cite web |title=La France est une idée, être français une émotion — par Tidjane Thiam |url=http://www.institutmontaigne.org/desideespourdemain/index.php/2009/10/09/366-la-france-est-une-idee-etre-francais-une-emotion-par-tidjane-thiam |publisher=Institut Montaigne |date=2009-10-09 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The question of his nationality later became a central political issue during his presidential bid in the Ivory Coast.


Thiam was married to Annette Thiam, with whom he has two children. The couple later divorced.<ref name="prudential_board" /> Thiam held dual Ivorian and French nationality from 1987 until 2025, when he renounced his French citizenship in connection with his intended presidential candidacy in the Ivory Coast.<ref name="bbc2025" />
Thiam was married to Annette Thiam; the couple have two children and subsequently divorced.<ref name="ukwhoswho">{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam |url=http://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/article/oupww/whoswho/U251378 |publisher=Who's Who (UK) |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


In 2025, Thiam published a memoir titled ''Without Prejudice'', in which he reflected on his career spanning global finance, government service, and politics. The book examined his experiences with racial prejudice and discrimination over the course of his career in Europe, his time leading two major financial institutions, and his subsequent entry into Ivorian politics.<ref name="ft2025" /><ref name="african_business" /> The ''Financial Times'' noted that the timing of the memoir coincided with his political ambitions, observing that understanding the publication's timing "hardly demands the intellect of a Polytechnicien."<ref name="ft2025" />
In 2025, Thiam published a memoir titled ''Without Prejudice'', in which he recounted his career in finance and his experiences with racial prejudice in the European corporate world.<ref name="ft" /><ref name="bloomberg" /> The ''Financial Times'' reviewed the book, noting its publication in the context of his political ambitions in the Ivory Coast.<ref name="ft" /> Bloomberg's profile of Thiam, timed with the book's release, highlighted his account of "his long fight against prejudice."<ref name="bloomberg" />


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Thiam's career has been marked by a number of significant honours and distinctions. When he became CEO of Prudential in 2009, he was recognised as the first black chief executive of a [[FTSE 100]] company, a milestone that attracted considerable media attention in the United Kingdom and internationally.<ref name="voice" />
Throughout his career, Thiam received numerous honours and accolades recognizing his contributions to business and finance.


He was named among "Black Britain's Most Influential" by ''The Voice'', a prominent British newspaper serving the African-Caribbean community.<ref name="voice" /> Thiam was also recognised by INSEAD, his alma mater, receiving distinction in the institution's alumni awards programme.<ref>{{cite web |title=INSEAD Trophies |url=http://www.insead.edu/alumni/newsletter/June2007/INSEADTrophies.htm |publisher=INSEAD |date=2007-06 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
INSEAD, where Thiam completed his MBA, recognized him as a distinguished alumnus.<ref name="insead_trophies" /> He was also included in ''The Voice'' newspaper's list of Black Britain's most influential people, reflecting his prominence in British business life during his years leading Prudential.<ref name="voice" />


In 2013, Thiam received the Grand Prix de l'Économie, a French award recognising outstanding contributions to the economic sphere, while he was still serving as CEO of Prudential.<ref>{{cite news |title=Le Grand Prix de l'Economie 2013 décerné à Tidjane Thiam (Prudential) |url=http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0203156472690-le-grand-prix-de-l-economie-2013-decerne-a-tidjane-thiam-prudential-633243.php |work=Les Échos |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In 2013, the French business newspaper ''[[Les Échos]]'' awarded Thiam its ''Grand Prix de l'Économie'', recognizing his achievements as CEO of Prudential.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2013 |title=Le Grand Prix de l'Économie 2013 décerné à Tidjane Thiam (Prudential) |url=http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0203156472690-le-grand-prix-de-l-economie-2013-decerne-a-tidjane-thiam-prudential-633243.php |work=Les Échos |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The French Embassy also noted his achievements, reflecting the significance of his career for the Franco-African business community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam |url=http://www.ambafrance-se.org/spip.php?article3108 |publisher=French Embassy |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


He was listed in ''[[Who's Who (UK)|Who's Who]]'', the annual British reference publication of notable individuals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam |url=http://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/article/oupww/whoswho/U251378 |publisher=Who's Who / Oxford University Press |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Thiam served as a member of the UK Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group, advising the government on matters of economic policy and business competitiveness.<ref name="gov_uk" /> He was also a contributor to the G20's High Level Panel on infrastructure investment, a role that placed him among a select group of business leaders shaping international economic policy.<ref name="gov_uk" />


In 2019, Thiam was elected a member of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC), adding an international sporting governance role to his portfolio of institutional affiliations.<ref name="bloomberg2025" />
His appointment to the International Olympic Committee in 2019 represented recognition beyond the financial sector, acknowledging his broader international profile and involvement in global governance.


His recognition by the French Embassy was also noted, underscoring his standing as a prominent figure bridging the Francophone and Anglophone worlds of business and public affairs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tidjane Thiam |url=http://www.ambafrance-se.org/spip.php?article3108 |publisher=Ambassade de France |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
He was included in the Africa Progress Panel, which worked on issues of African economic development and governance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Africa Progress Panel — Annual Report 2012 |url=http://africaprogresspanel.org/en/publications/annual-reports/annual-report-2012/ |publisher=Africa Progress Panel |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Thiam's career is notable for its breadth across sectors — consulting, government, insurance, banking, and politics — and across geographies spanning West Africa, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. His appointment as the first black CEO of a FTSE 100 company in 2009 represented a significant moment in the history of British corporate leadership, drawing attention to questions of racial diversity at the highest levels of European business.<ref name="voice" />
Tidjane Thiam's career represents a notable case of an African-born executive reaching the highest levels of European corporate leadership. His appointments as CEO of Prudential and Credit Suisse broke barriers in an industry where black executives at the most senior levels remained exceptionally rare. His 2025 memoir, ''Without Prejudice'', addressed these themes directly, documenting the racial prejudice he encountered during his career in European finance.<ref name="bloomberg" /><ref name="ft" />


At Prudential, Thiam's strategic emphasis on Asian markets helped shape the company's long-term direction, with the firm's operations in Asia becoming an increasingly important part of its global business. At Credit Suisse, his restructuring efforts aimed to transform the bank's business model, though his tenure ended amid controversy.
At Prudential, Thiam's strategic emphasis on Asian growth markets shaped the company's direction for years. His tenure coincided with a period of significant expansion in the company's Asian operations, a strategy that subsequent management continued to pursue. At Credit Suisse, his restructuring efforts sought to reorient the bank toward wealth management, though the institution's subsequent collapse in 2023 — occurring after his departure — cast a complex shadow over assessments of his period in charge.


His subsequent move into Ivorian politics reflected a pattern seen among some African business leaders who, after careers in the global private sector, have sought to apply their experience to governance in their home countries. His exclusion from the 2025 presidential race raised questions about political freedom and opposition participation in the Ivory Coast, drawing attention from international media and observers.<ref name="reuters2025" /><ref name="bbc2025" />
Thiam's transition from global finance to Ivorian politics illustrated the connections between the African diaspora's professional achievements abroad and the continent's own political development. ''African Business'' magazine characterised his story as one that spans "the world of high finance and low politics," noting the intriguing parallels and contrasts between the two domains.<ref name="african_business" />


Thiam's 2025 memoir, ''Without Prejudice'', contributed to broader public discourse about race, identity, and discrimination in the European financial industry. The book's publication, alongside his political activities, positioned Thiam as a figure at the intersection of global finance, African politics, and the ongoing conversation about diversity in corporate leadership.<ref name="ft2025" /><ref name="african_business" />
His exclusion from the 2025 presidential race, alongside former President Laurent Gbagbo, raised questions about political openness and electoral fairness in the Ivory Coast that attracted significant international attention.<ref name="reuters" /><ref name="ap" /> Regardless of the outcome of his political ambitions, Thiam's career trajectory — from Abidjan to the École Polytechnique, from McKinsey to the boardrooms of London and Zurich, and back to the political arena of the Ivory Coast — stands as one of the more remarkable journeys in contemporary international business and politics.


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


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Latest revision as of 05:31, 24 February 2026



Tidjane Thiam
Thiam in 2015
Tidjane Thiam
Born29 7, 1962
BirthplaceAbidjan, Ivory Coast
NationalityIvorian
OccupationBusinessman, politician
Known forCEO of Credit Suisse (2015–2020), CEO of Prudential plc (2009–2015)
EducationINSEAD (MBA)
Spouse(s)Annette Thiam (divorced)
Children2

Tidjane Thiam (Template:IPA-fr; born 29 July 1962) is an Ivorian businessman and politician who rose to international prominence as the chief executive officer of two of Europe's major financial institutions — Prudential plc and Credit Suisse. Born into a prominent political family in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Thiam's career has traversed the worlds of management consulting, government service, insurance, banking, and electoral politics. He served as the chief financial officer of Prudential from 2007 to 2009 before becoming the company's CEO, a position he held until 2015, when he was recruited to lead Credit Suisse.[1] His appointment at Prudential made him one of the first black chief executives of a FTSE 100 company. After departing Credit Suisse in February 2020, Thiam turned his attention to politics in his native Ivory Coast, declaring his candidacy for the country's presidential election, though he was ultimately barred from contesting the October 2025 race.[2] In 2019, Thiam became a member of the International Olympic Committee. He published a memoir, Without Prejudice, in 2025.[3]

Early Life

Tidjane Thiam was born on 29 July 1962 in Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. He was born into a prominent political family in the West African nation.[4] Thiam held dual Ivorian and French nationality between 1987 and 2025.[4] His family background in Ivorian public life would later inform both his government service in the 1990s and his eventual entry into presidential politics decades later.

Thiam left the Ivory Coast to pursue his education in France, where he studied advanced mathematics and physics. His academic trajectory led him to some of France's most prestigious institutions of higher learning, a path that would provide the intellectual foundation for his subsequent career in consulting, government, and finance.[3] The Financial Times, reviewing his 2025 memoir, noted the significance of his formation as a Polytechnicien — a graduate of the elite École Polytechnique — and described him as "an overachieving maths and science" student.[3]

Growing up in the Ivory Coast during a period of relative economic prosperity and political stability under President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Thiam's early life was shaped by the intersection of African political tradition and French-influenced intellectual culture. In a 2025 interview with the BBC, Thiam declared, "I was born Ivorian," underscoring the centrality of his national identity despite decades spent living and working abroad.[4]

Education

Thiam's education took place primarily in France and combined rigorous scientific training with business studies. He attended the École Polytechnique, one of France's grandes écoles, where he received training in advanced mathematics and physics.[3] He subsequently studied at the Paris School of Mines (École des Mines de Paris), another elite French engineering school. Thiam later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD, the international business school based in Fontainebleau, France.[5]

This combination of scientific and business education — spanning three of France's and Europe's most selective academic institutions — equipped Thiam with the analytical rigour and strategic perspective that characterized his later career in management consulting and corporate leadership. INSEAD later recognized Thiam among its distinguished alumni.[6]

Career

McKinsey & Company (1986–1994)

Following his studies, Thiam joined the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company in 1986. He worked at McKinsey for eight years, until 1994, gaining experience in strategic consulting that would prove foundational for his subsequent career in both the public and private sectors. During this period, Thiam developed expertise in corporate strategy and organizational management across multiple industries and geographies.

Government Service in the Ivory Coast (1994–1999)

In 1994, Thiam returned to the Ivory Coast to take up a role in the public sector. He was appointed chief executive of the National Bureau for Technical Studies (Bureau National d'Études Techniques et de Développement, or BNETD), the Ivorian government's principal technical and development planning agency.[7] In this role, Thiam was responsible for overseeing major infrastructure and development projects in the country.

During his tenure at BNETD, Thiam was involved in efforts related to the Ivory Coast's economic development and participated in knowledge-sharing initiatives with international organizations including the World Bank.[8][9]

Thiam's period of government service came to an abrupt end with the 1999 Ivorian coup d'état, which overthrew the government of President Henri Konan Bédié. The political upheaval prompted Thiam to leave the Ivory Coast and resume his career in the private sector in Europe.

Return to McKinsey and Aviva (2000–2007)

After the coup, Thiam returned to Paris and rejoined McKinsey & Company in 2000, where he worked as a consultant until 2002. He then moved into the insurance industry, joining Aviva, one of the United Kingdom's largest insurance companies, as a senior executive. His time at Aviva provided him with direct experience in the financial services sector and positioned him for his subsequent move to Prudential.

Prudential (2007–2015)

Thiam was recruited by Prudential plc, the British insurance and financial services group, in 2007, initially serving as the company's chief financial officer (CFO).[10] In 2009, he was elevated to the position of chief executive officer, a role he would hold for six years until 2015.[1]

Thiam's appointment as CEO of Prudential was a landmark event in British corporate history: he became one of the first black chief executives of a FTSE 100 company, and the first African-born leader of a major European financial institution of that scale.[11] His tenure at Prudential was marked by a strategic focus on expanding the company's operations in Asia, which Thiam identified as the primary engine of future growth for the insurer.

Under his leadership, Prudential pursued an ambitious bid in 2010 to acquire AIA Group, the Asian insurance subsidiary of the troubled American insurer American International Group (AIG).[12] Although the AIA acquisition ultimately did not proceed in the form originally proposed, Prudential continued to build its Asian business during Thiam's tenure. The company's financial results during this period reflected this strategic emphasis.[13]

Thiam also engaged in public policy discussions during his time at Prudential. He was a member of the UK Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group, advising the British government on economic and business matters.[14] Additionally, Thiam contributed to international economic discussions through the G20, participating in a High Level Panel that produced recommendations on infrastructure financing and development.[15][16]

In March 2014, Prudential announced that Thiam would step down as CEO.[17] He departed the company in 2015 to take up the leadership of Credit Suisse.[1]

Credit Suisse (2015–2020)

In March 2015, Thiam became the chief executive officer of Credit Suisse, the Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company.[1] His appointment to lead one of Europe's most storied banking institutions represented another significant milestone in his career.

At Credit Suisse, Thiam embarked on a restructuring programme that sought to shift the bank's focus away from volatile investment banking activities toward wealth management, particularly serving high-net-worth clients in Asia and other growth markets. This strategic pivot mirrored aspects of his approach at Prudential, where he had similarly emphasized Asian growth opportunities.

Thiam's tenure at Credit Suisse was not without controversy. In his final months as CEO, the bank was embroiled in a corporate espionage scandal involving the surveillance of former executives, which contributed to his departure from the firm in February 2020. In a 2025 interview with Bloomberg, Thiam reflected on his career, stating, "I don't do regrets."[18] In the same interview, Thiam spoke about "his long fight against prejudice" throughout his career in European financial services.[18]

Post–Credit Suisse Activities

Following his departure from Credit Suisse, Thiam took on several board and advisory roles. In 2020, shareholders of the Kering Foundation appointed him to its board of directors, where he also assumed the position of Chair of the Audit Committee.

Thiam served as executive chairman of Freedom Acquisition Corp, a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC). Freedom Acquisition Corp merged with American solar energy company Complete Solaria in 2023, taking the latter public through the SPAC transaction.

In 2019, Thiam had become a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), adding a role in international sports governance to his portfolio of activities.

Ivorian Presidential Bid (2024–2025)

Thiam's most significant post-banking endeavour was his entry into electoral politics in the Ivory Coast. He declared his intention to contest the country's presidential election, scheduled for October 2025, as a candidate of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), one of the country's principal opposition parties.[2]

However, Thiam's candidacy encountered a significant legal obstacle. Ivorian authorities challenged his eligibility to run, a dispute that centred on his nationality. Thiam had held dual Ivorian and French citizenship between 1987 and 2025. In a 2025 interview with the BBC, Thiam pushed back against efforts to exclude him, declaring, "I was born Ivorian."[4]

In September 2025, the Ivory Coast formally barred Thiam — along with former President Laurent Gbagbo — from contesting the presidential election.[2] The Associated Press reported in June 2025 that Thiam had been excluded from the country's final list of presidential candidates.[19] Thiam challenged the court decision removing him from the electoral roll, but was ultimately unsuccessful.[4]

His exclusion from the race was covered extensively by international media. African Business magazine described Thiam as "one of Africa's most prominent global CEOs" and characterised his trajectory as spanning "the world of high finance and low politics."[20]

Personal Life

Thiam held dual Ivorian and French nationality between 1987 and 2025.[4] In a 2009 essay, Thiam reflected on his relationship with France, writing that "France is an idea; being French, an emotion."[21] The question of his nationality later became a central political issue during his presidential bid in the Ivory Coast.

Thiam was married to Annette Thiam; the couple have two children and subsequently divorced.[22]

In 2025, Thiam published a memoir titled Without Prejudice, in which he recounted his career in finance and his experiences with racial prejudice in the European corporate world.[3][18] The Financial Times reviewed the book, noting its publication in the context of his political ambitions in the Ivory Coast.[3] Bloomberg's profile of Thiam, timed with the book's release, highlighted his account of "his long fight against prejudice."[18]

Recognition

Throughout his career, Thiam received numerous honours and accolades recognizing his contributions to business and finance.

INSEAD, where Thiam completed his MBA, recognized him as a distinguished alumnus.[6] He was also included in The Voice newspaper's list of Black Britain's most influential people, reflecting his prominence in British business life during his years leading Prudential.[11]

In 2013, the French business newspaper Les Échos awarded Thiam its Grand Prix de l'Économie, recognizing his achievements as CEO of Prudential.[23] The French Embassy also noted his achievements, reflecting the significance of his career for the Franco-African business community.[24]

Thiam served as a member of the UK Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group, advising the government on matters of economic policy and business competitiveness.[14] He was also a contributor to the G20's High Level Panel on infrastructure investment, a role that placed him among a select group of business leaders shaping international economic policy.[14]

His appointment to the International Olympic Committee in 2019 represented recognition beyond the financial sector, acknowledging his broader international profile and involvement in global governance.

He was included in the Africa Progress Panel, which worked on issues of African economic development and governance.[25]

Legacy

Tidjane Thiam's career represents a notable case of an African-born executive reaching the highest levels of European corporate leadership. His appointments as CEO of Prudential and Credit Suisse broke barriers in an industry where black executives at the most senior levels remained exceptionally rare. His 2025 memoir, Without Prejudice, addressed these themes directly, documenting the racial prejudice he encountered during his career in European finance.[18][3]

At Prudential, Thiam's strategic emphasis on Asian growth markets shaped the company's direction for years. His tenure coincided with a period of significant expansion in the company's Asian operations, a strategy that subsequent management continued to pursue. At Credit Suisse, his restructuring efforts sought to reorient the bank toward wealth management, though the institution's subsequent collapse in 2023 — occurring after his departure — cast a complex shadow over assessments of his period in charge.

Thiam's transition from global finance to Ivorian politics illustrated the connections between the African diaspora's professional achievements abroad and the continent's own political development. African Business magazine characterised his story as one that spans "the world of high finance and low politics," noting the intriguing parallels and contrasts between the two domains.[20]

His exclusion from the 2025 presidential race, alongside former President Laurent Gbagbo, raised questions about political openness and electoral fairness in the Ivory Coast that attracted significant international attention.[2][19] Regardless of the outcome of his political ambitions, Thiam's career trajectory — from Abidjan to the École Polytechnique, from McKinsey to the boardrooms of London and Zurich, and back to the political arena of the Ivory Coast — stands as one of the more remarkable journeys in contemporary international business and politics.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Tidjane Thiam quits Prudential".Atlas Magazine.https://www.atlas-mag.net/en/articles/tidjane-thiam-quits-prudential-0.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Ivory Coast formally bars ex-Credit Suisse chief from presidential race".Reuters.2025-09-08.https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ivory-coast-formally-bars-ex-credit-suisse-chief-presidential-race-2025-09-08/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Without Prejudice by Tidjane Thiam — from the Pru to politics".Financial Times.2025-08-28.https://www.ft.com/content/d3365c78-e93e-44eb-9c62-d43189e70bda.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "Tidjane Thiam: 'I was born Ivorian' says bank boss barred from running for president".BBC News.2025-05-02.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99pd5xkn8zo.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Tidjane Thiam".INSEAD.http://50.insead.edu/alumni/tidjane-thiam.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "INSEAD Trophies".INSEAD.http://www.insead.edu/alumni/newsletter/June2007/INSEADTrophies.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Côte d'Ivoire Fact Sheet".Foreign Direct Investment.http://www.fdi.net/documents/WorldBank/databases/plink/factsheets/cote_dIvoire.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Partnerships — Thiam".World Bank.http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/Partnerships/KP_EACThiam.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "KP EAC Terms of Reference".World Bank.http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/KP_EAC_TOR.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Our Board".Prudential plc.http://www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/aboutpru/ourpeople/ourboard/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Black Britain's Most Influential".The Voice.http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/black-britains-most-influential.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "AIG Said to Select Tucker to Succeed AIA's Wilson".Bloomberg.2010-07-19.http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-19/aig-said-to-select-tucker-to-succeed-aia-s-wilson.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Full Year Results 2010".Prudential plc.http://www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/investors/resultspresentations/results/ra2011/fy_res10/fy_res10.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Business Advisory Group".UK Government.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/business-advisory-group.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Communique — High Level Panel".G20.http://www.g20.org/Documents2011/02/COMMUNIQUE_HLP.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "HLP Full Report".G20/G8.http://www.g20-g8.com/g8-g20/root/bank_objects/HLP_-_Full_report.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Prudential News Release, 12 March 2014".Prudential plc.2014-03-12.http://www.prudential.co.uk/media/group-news-releases/2014/12-03-2014.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 "Ex-Credit Suisse Boss Tidjane Thiam: 'I Don't Do Regrets'".Bloomberg.2025-09-04.https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2025-tidjane-thiam-weekend-interview/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Ivory Coast opposition leader Thiam is excluded from the list of presidential candidates".AP News.2025-06-04.https://apnews.com/article/ivory-coast-president-elections-thiam-ea70420e6bade3c8f13d6d6109d2ab57.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Thiam: from business to politics – and back again?".African Business.2025-12-03.https://african.business/2025/12/trade-investment/thiam-from-business-to-politics-and-back-again.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "La France est une idée, être français une émotion — par Tidjane Thiam".Institut Montaigne.2009-10-09.http://www.institutmontaigne.org/desideespourdemain/index.php/2009/10/09/366-la-france-est-une-idee-etre-francais-une-emotion-par-tidjane-thiam.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Tidjane Thiam".Who's Who (UK).http://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/article/oupww/whoswho/U251378.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Le Grand Prix de l'Économie 2013 décerné à Tidjane Thiam (Prudential)".Les Échos.2013.http://www.lesechos.fr/economie-politique/monde/actu/0203156472690-le-grand-prix-de-l-economie-2013-decerne-a-tidjane-thiam-prudential-633243.php.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Tidjane Thiam".French Embassy.http://www.ambafrance-se.org/spip.php?article3108.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Africa Progress Panel — Annual Report 2012".Africa Progress Panel.http://africaprogresspanel.org/en/publications/annual-reports/annual-report-2012/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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