The Pure Ocean team
David Sussmann
Chairman - Founder
During his many business trips, David has witnessed the pollution and destruction of the natural environment. With a lifelong passion for the ocean, sailing and diving, he became aware of environmental issues and wanted to do something for the planet. That's how the idea for Pure Ocean came about.
Thomas de Williencourt
Director
Committed for many years to actions that defend the general interest, Thomas has actively participated in supporting biodiversity projects: agroecology / permaculture, pollinators / apiculture, aquaponics, agroforestry, ... Today, he continues his commitment as Director of Pure Ocean to help save the ocean.
Gwen Lechat
Sponsorship Manager
Growing up in Brittany, opposite the Glénan islands, Gwen's love of the ocean and nature was born. A professional life devoted to marketing and then public interest communications naturally led her to put her skills at the service of her first love: the ocean. Gwen is in charge of sponsorship for Pure Ocean.
Charlie Mathiot
Scientific Coordinator
After completing his PhD on phytoplankton biology and carbon cycles, he chose to put his skills to work for the preservation of the Ocean. An AgroParisTech engineer specializing in biotechnologies, he is committed to teaching people about the major challenges facing the Ocean, climate science and biodiversity. An avid diver and underwater biologist, he joins the team in 2022 to share his commitment with patrons. He assists the scientific committee in the exciting selection of projects, and is also responsible for scientific monitoring and the dissemination of innovations resulting from projects supported by Pure Ocean.
Stephanie Lerner
Communications Manager
Franco-American, Stéphanie divides her time between her two loves - creating artworks from garbage gleaned from beaches, and communications. After many years spent in agencies, she joined Pure Ocean, where she is in charge of external communications and public relations.
Sasha Gavlovsky
Event project Manager
After growing up in the Corrèze region of France, Sacha spent 10 years conquering Parisian event agencies. But despite a real professional fulfillment, the lack of proximity to nature began to make itself felt. So he decided to move to Marseille, with a view to putting his knowledge of event production to good use for a cause close to his heart. His choice was Pure Ocean Fund, which he joined as Event Project Manager!
Laura Desfossez
Digital Content Manager
After graduating in engineering, Laura quickly switched to communications and marketing with the aim of giving visibility to eco-responsible projects. A lover of the sea from an early age, she moved to Marseille in 2020, where she will work on a number of environmental projects in the solar sector. Passionate about the ocean and sensitive to ecological issues, joining Pure Ocean was an obvious choice!
Catherine Lamy
Office manager
"The impossible always retreats when we advance towards it" - A. St Exupery. This is the phrase that most characterizes her. From entrepreneur in the graphics industry, to nurse in the intensive care unit and operating theatre; then guardian of the temple at Pure Ocean as Office Manager, there's only one step. That of commitment to people. Because taking care of the Ocean means taking care of Man.
Maïa Defrenne
Race for Pure Ocean' Project Manager
Ever since she was a child, Maïa has been committed to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of life. After spending over 6 months on a sailing boat in the West Indies, she developed a passion for sailing and the ocean. A student in management and administration, she joined the Pure Ocean team as a project manager on a work-study program for the "Race for Pure Ocean".
Alain Marguillier
Vice-President, Western France
After a career in corporate finance, Alain returned to his native Granville. After many trips to discover the oceans, and convinced of the need to protect them, he has put his skills as a lecturer and trainer at the service of the Pure Ocean Foundation.
Christian Bleuzen
Key Account Director
During his professional career in banking, which took him to Rennes, Bordeaux, Brest and Lorient, Christian returned to South Finistère. An ardent defender of the environment and concerned about marine ecosystems, he joined the Foundation to help and encourage all possible synergies in Brittany to protect the oceans.
