Show summary Hide summary
Richard Attias is somewhat a name that resonates loudly in the world of international event management. Born on November 19, 1959, in Fès, Morocco, he is now over 65 years old (yes, already!), stands about 1.80 m tall, and handles the backstage of power like few can. Honestly, knowing his journey feels like reading a business thriller.
He grew up in a modest but highly educated family, where work and education were non-negotiable. That’s where his taste for challenge was forged. From there, he was definitely not going to stop halfway, that’s for sure.
I must admit that his career shift truly inspires me: an engineer by training, he started at IBM, but very quickly switched to another galaxy, that of events and communication. You know, the kind of change that makes you say “Ah, that’s what he wanted to do from the start.”
And then there’s his personal life, quite well covered in the press. Married to Cécilia Attias since 2008, his story with her has fueled a lot of debates, dream or scandal (I’ll let you judge). In any case, together, they make quite a pair.
Richard Attias, Moroccan businessman and influencer of major world events
Born in Fès, Richard Attias has always had a kind of knack for challenges. After a solid stint at INSA Toulouse where he earned his master’s in math and physics, he continued at IBM. But very soon, the taste for sales and communication attracted him. An unusual path, we agree.
His career really took off with Publicis. There, you can feel that he found his playground. He climbed the ranks at an impressive speed until he took the reins of Publicis Events Worldwide. Just that.
In 1995, he founded his own agency, Richard Attias & Associates. And then, the biggest names came knocking on his door: from the World Economic Forum in Davos to the prestigious New York Forum, he organizes the backstage of global power with extraordinary dexterity.
He is not just an organizer, he is also a bridge between leaders, an exceptional facilitator who knows how to create the right connections, often where you least expect them. That makes him more than just a businessman. He is a master of international networking.
From engineer at IBM to architect of global forums
His start at IBM in 1983 seemed like the royal road for an engineer. But this guy just couldn’t stay stuck in an office doing basic sales. Very quickly, he turned the page to dive into the world of event communication. Yes, he took the leap.
At Publicis, he really exploded. Can you imagine working in the biggest communication agency and managing to make a name for yourself? Not to mention that he focused on events that change the political and economic world game. What a flair!
In 2007, he launched PublicisLive, a bold bet that allowed him to consolidate his reputation. But well, he knew he wanted to go further and emancipate himself, so in 2008 he created his own company, where he focuses on his own visions, far from the constraints of a large group.
This daring choice enabled him to work with heavyweights like Bill Clinton or Tony Blair. Honestly, it’s not something you improvise.
We can say that he turned his passion into true success, combining the rigor of an engineer with overflowing creativity. This dual hat frankly gives him an impressive side.
Richard Attias’s private life and uncommon commitments
It’s true that his private life has often been under the spotlight. Especially his marriage with Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz, the ex-wife of Nicolas Sarkozy. This marriage in 2008 made a big splash, but beyond the tabloid stories, those two really share a powerful universe.
He is also the father of two children from his first marriage, which he keeps precious and away from the media. You can feel that he tries to juggle between this father role and his many professional responsibilities. Not easy.
He also cultivates his taste for sports: tennis, golf, a true breath of fresh air to recharge his batteries. Not to mention his passion for music and travel, opening his mind even more to the world he frequents daily.
And then his involvement in social causes, that’s a real plus. He is invested in causes like education, health, and sustainable development. Between two forums, he tries to move the lines in his own way.
Some anecdotes to better understand the Richard Attias personality
- ⚡ Even during his student years, he was already organizing events, proof that it was in his DNA.
- 🌍 The Davos Forum is his from 1994: impressive when you know the weight of this event.
- 🎯 In 2010 he created the New York Forum, an essential crossroads for global decision-makers.
- 💼 His stint at PublicisLive redefined corporate event standards.
- ❤️ The marriage with Cécilia made headlines, but they form a solid couple.
Current projects and prestigious collaborations of Richard Attias
In 2025, Richard Attias continues to reinvent himself. He is still at the head of Richard Attias & Associates and prepares large-scale events, mixing innovation and diplomacy. Just that.
His involvement in forums like the Doha Goals Forum or the International Economic Forum testifies to his ability to stay at the heart of economic and geopolitical news.
He also collaborates with influential personalities, which explains why his name consistently comes up in important circles. He’s a bit the guy who makes exchanges between leaders possible.
Well, he also recently announced his departure from the FII Institute. A passing of the torch to give way to the new generation, but with his experience, he will continue to weigh in backstage.
Why is following Richard Attias’s career exciting?
Because it’s a real masterclass on how to combine rigor and creativity in a not-so-simple profession. He is also proof that sometimes, you have to trust your instinct to change paths.
His events gather emblematic figures and deeply influence global debates. Needless to say, his role is not just decorative; it is concrete action behind the scenes.
You got it, Richard Attias embodies a rare mix of ingenuity, boldness, and network, making him a reference in the event world and beyond.
So frankly, we want to follow him for a long time to see what surprises he has in store for us!
More info on Wikipedia,
discover his biography,
his detailed journey here,
and his private life revealed on Purepeople,
not forgetting his estimated fortune.
