Dr. Mark French

Mark French serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Dalkia US, where he leads
with a rare blend of operational expertise, people-first leadership, and a deep-rooted belief in
the power of connection. Known for his energy, warmth, and unshakable dedication to
employee well-being, Mark brings decades of experience across industries and a lifelong
passion for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Mark’s professional journey is as multidimensional as the teams he leads. Originally trained in
chemistry, he discovered an unexpected calling in workplace safety—a moment he often refers
to as a “happy accident.” That spark became the foundation of a purpose-driven career
dedicated to protecting people and helping them thrive. Mark went on to earn an MBA and a
PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, equipping him with a rare mix of scientific rigor
and human insight. His credentials—CSP, SPHR, and Six Sigma Black Belt—underscore both
his technical fluency and commitment to continuous improvement.

Over the years, Mark has worked across various sectors, including automotive, e-commerce,
and nuclear conversion, learning firsthand how to navigate complex organizations and guide
meaningful change. No matter the setting, his philosophy remains constant: people are the
driving force behind every organization. He believes that trust, transparency, and psychological
safety are the foundation of high-performing teams, and he brings those values to life every day
at Dalkia.

As CHRO, Mark oversees human resources, health and safety, environmental compliance,
ethics, and learning and development. He works closely with teams across the country to build
scalable systems that reinforce a strong culture and shared mission. He is a vocal advocate for
two-way communication, employee engagement, and leadership development. His efforts have
helped shape Dalkia’s identity as not just an industry leader, but a place where people come to
grow, contribute, and feel seen.

Outside of work, Mark’s love for connection extends to family and play. He finds joy in golfing
with his son, where lighthearted competition and conversation go hand in hand. A self-professed
gaming enthusiast, he turns airport layovers into adventures—often with Pokémon Go in hand.
He also hosts a podcast on leadership and safety, using storytelling as a tool to elevate industry
standards and inspire better practices.

What makes Mark unique is the consistency of his presence, whether he's leading a safety
initiative, mentoring a new employee, or simply listening with intention. His ambition for Dalkia is
not only to grow, but to do so with integrity, empathy, and lasting impact. For Mark, leadership is
personal. It’s about showing up with purpose, creating conditions for people to shine, and
ensuring that every voice matters.