Helping clients with their plans to buy or sell bakeries has always been the core and most rewarding focus of my career.
Let me introduce myself
“My name is Eric Collavini. I’m 56 years old and have been the National Head of Transactions and Financing since July 2017. I joined Grands Moulins de Paris when I was very young—30 years ago, when I was 26. I started at the Revel mill, handling transactions in the Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon regions. In 2013, I moved to headquarters to oversee transactions at the national level.”
WHEN DID YOU JOIN GRANDS MOULINS DE PARIS, AND WHY?
I joined the company through a friend who worked at the Bordeaux mill. He told me about a position that would be a perfect fit for me: business transactions. That was in December 1991. I am still deeply grateful to him today; he was absolutely right. Supporting clients in their projects to sell or acquire bakeries has always been the core and most rewarding aspect of my career. I discovered a fascinating profession, rich in encounters and knowledge.
NATIONAL HEAD OF TRANSACTIONS AND FINANCING: WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?
My job today is to help our teams—and more specifically our 25 specialists—facilitate the sale of bakery businesses. I use four verbs to describe what I do: lead, support, assist, and train.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY ROUTINE LIKE?
My day-to-day work is very varied. I help colleagues resolve technical issues. I provide training, sharing my knowledge both internally and externally with students at the Paris Bakery School who are planning to take over a bakery. I work closely with other internal departments to develop tools specific to our field. Above all, my day-to-day work is all about teamwork.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SINCE JOINING THE COMPANY?
My work gives me a real sense of purpose: helping to revitalize the ranks of our artisan bakers. My greatest source of pride is seeing the entrepreneurs we support succeed in their business ventures. It’s seeing the value we add through our expertise to our clients and building a relationship of trust with them.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GRANDS MOULINS DE PARIS PRODUCT?
I have several favorite products, each perfect for a different time of day. If I had to choose just one, it would be Campagrain. I love it toasted—for its rich flavors—served with smoked salmon and a squeeze of lemon. A real treat for the taste buds!
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE GRANDS MOULINS DE PARIS?
Grands Moulins de Paris stands for values, a modern spirit despite its 100-year history, and success for both the company and its customers.
