Involved Alumni: Giving Back to the School through the Apprenticeship Tax
François Roger
Grande École Program Graduate (1995) – HR Director, Cerba Healthcare
Thirty years after graduating from emlyon business school, François Roger continues to place his trust in the school, this time in his role as an HR Director. We meet an alumnus who has turned his strong connection to emlyon into meaningful, concrete commitment.
François Roger (PGE95)
Since 2025, François Roger has been HR Director at Cerba HealthCare. He has built a rich career in HR leadership roles within international groups across the healthcare, consumer goods, and automotive sectors.
What do you remember most about your time at emlyon?
They are very fond memories, especially as this period came right after preparatory classes, which are quite demanding. It was a time filled with encounters, friendships, and strong bonds that I still value today. It was also my first real introduction to the professional world: at emlyon, you quickly connect with your future career through courses and internships.
What made you want to stay connected to emlyon?
I have always felt a strong attachment to the school. It combines excellence with humility, which is something I’ve always appreciated.
What stands out to me is both my personal experience as a student and the graduates I later recruited. In the ten years following my graduation, I took part in many recruitment events, then continued to stay connected through the informal alumni network. My classmates, as well as other emlyon graduates I met throughout my career, have formed the foundation of my professional network.
Why do you support emlyon through the apprenticeship tax?
Because it is a trusted institution that consistently produces high-quality graduates with a strong mindset. It is one of the great schools worth supporting: it maintains high academic standards while fostering a sense of humility among its students something I value greatly.
What would you say to alumni who are considering supporting emlyon?
Since the apprenticeship tax is paid by companies, it makes sense to direct it toward institutions that reflect your values. If you had a positive experience at emlyon and feel connected to it, supporting the school is a natural choice. We know emlyon from the inside, which gives us confidence in how these contributions are used.
How do you see the role of alumni in supporting future generations?
Beyond recruitment, there is an important mentoring role to play. As students, many of us have questions about careers, the business world, and professional choices. Being able to discuss these topics with alumni, whether young graduates or more experienced professionals, is extremely valuable.
Within companies, having reference points and mentors also makes a real difference. Among alumni, we listen to each other, share experiences, and offer guidance. The need for an outside perspective is just as strong at 60, when looking for a new position, as it is at 19, when searching for a first internship.
It is a natural, supportive network built on openness and trust ; one that works best when interactions are genuine.
How do you view the School’s evolution today?
emlyon has managed to maintain its position in rankings year after year, which is a significant achievement given its already high standards. The school has preserved its academic excellence while expanding internationally. Its entrepreneurial focus is now widely recognized, both by companies and by students.
As a senior executive, how do you assess the concrete impact of this contribution?
It is difficult to measure it precisely. Ultimately, it is based on trust: we see that the school maintains its standards and continues to grow, which reassures us that it is moving in the right direction. In the short term, it is an act of trust, one that is validated over time by tangible results.
Give Meaning to Your Apprenticeship Tax
Supporting emlyon business school through the apprenticeship tax means directly contributing to impactful initiatives. Thanks to the commitment of its alumni, programs that promote equal opportunities such as “la toile” enable learners to access training in digital careers free of charge.
As a graduate, your voice matters within your organization: you have the power to influence this decision and make a real difference.