Axelle LEMAIRE

Bio

Former Secretary of State for Digital Affairs and Innovation between 2014 and 2017, Axelle Lemaire draws on her expertise in the technology sector to build bridges between the business world, the public sphere and society, particularly on issues of sustainable development and ethics. Born and raised in Canada, she studied modern literature, political science and law in Montpellier (hypokhâgne), Paris (Sciences Po, Panthéon-Sorbonne and Panthéon-Assas Universities) and London (King's College London). She worked in business law firms and as a researcher and lecturer in international law (human rights, environmental law, investment law), before becoming an assistant to a British MP in the House of Commons. Following an original and innovative election campaign, she was elected MP to represent the French abroad in 2012. As a member of the National Assembly's Law Committee, she was rapporteur for the Banking Act, responsible for the text on equality between women and men, and introduced the crime of modern slavery into the Criminal Code. She joined the Government in 2014, and has been credited with a lasting legacy: French Tech, Plan France Très Haut Débit, artificial intelligence strategy, the Law for a Digital Republic, digital accessibility, e-sport, etc. She was awarded the European Prize for Political Innovation for the way in which her law was prepared online and transparently with citizens. Since then, Axelle Lemaire has worked for a European strategy consultancy, supporting clients in their digital transformation and addressing CSR issues. More recently, she led the strategic transformation, digital inclusion and social innovation programmes of France's largest social organisation. She continues to be involved in a number of not-for-profit projects, including the Positive Planet initiative and the Committee against Modern Slavery.