Since 2008, the CIS Foundation has been passionately committed to supporting young people in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (PACA) region in their professional and academic projects. Created under the leadership of Régis Arnoux, President and Founder of CIS Group, the Foundation has supported more than 170 young scholarship recipients, offering them not only financial resources, but also valuable personal support.

After 18 years as president, Loïc is passing the torch to Laetitia, who is taking on this role with ambition and humility. This transition is an opportunity to look back on the highlights of Loïc’s tenure, the challenges he has overcome, and Laetitia’s ambitions and plans for the future of the Foundation.

You can also watch the full video of the interview to hear the conversation between Loïc and Laetitia and learn more about the history and future of the CIS Foundation.
Video of the interview

Review of 18 years of commitment: interview with Loïc.

What have been the most memorable moments of your tenure?

The creation of the CIS Foundation was a special moment. When Mr. Arnoux entrusted me with the task of creating this Foundation in the fall of 2007, it was both a source of pride and a leap into the unknown. What I take away from this:

The power of hope in young people: a simple word of encouragement from a renowned entrepreneur can give unexpected strength to a young person who is questioning their future.

Doing a lot with a little: with limited resources, we have achieved great things through rigorous management of our projects and finances.

Visible transformations: seeing young people find their way, flourish, and gain confidence, especially when they stand up straight and look you right in the eye.

What major challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

One of the main challenges was getting very different people to work together while reaching consensus. This required a lot of listening and flexibility. I have fond memories of working with Franck: we understood each other so well that few words were needed to move forward, always aligned on the issues at hand. These exchanges were a real pleasure.

What advice would you give to your successor?

Laetitia and I discussed this handover at length. My main advice would be to never lose sight of the Foundation’s fundamental objective: to support deserving young adults in the Marseille region who have professional or academic ambitions but are held back by their financial circumstances.

A new President, a new vision: interview with Laetitia

What is your journey within the CIS Foundation and your connection to its values?

After years of working in the humanitarian and social sector with young people, joining the CIS Foundation felt like a natural step. Mr. Arnoux invited me to be part of this exciting adventure when I first started at CIS. I firmly believe that nothing happens by chance: working with young people gives meaning to your mission.

What motivated you to accept this role as President?

It is with great humility that I accepted this role, because it is not easy to follow in Loïc’s footsteps! I have a lot of admiration for what he has built with his team, and I am honored to continue this mission. I am fortunate to be supported by Camille, our Deputy VP. Together, we form a complementary and dynamic duo.

This role is also a source of inspiration: the young people we support give us incredible energy. Despite the considerable difficulties they face, they show courage and determination. They remind us that we must never give up.

What priority projects did you want to develop?

We have identified two main areas of focus:

Developing our network of referral partners: this will enable us to increase our visibility and reach even more young people in an increasingly fast-paced and complex world.

Creating a supportive community among our scholarship recipients: with more than 170 young people supported since our inception, we want to strengthen the ties between alumni and current scholarship recipients to continue this spirit of community and solidarity.

A shared vision for the future of the Foundation.

Loïc, if you had to sum up your hopes for the future of the Foundation, what would they be?

My wish is that the CIS Foundation remains a source of hope for all young people in the Marseille region, a solution for its partners, and a source of pride for all CIS Group employees.

Laetitia, what is your wish?

That the Foundation continues its work with young people for whom our professional start-up grant makes all the difference. We want to continue in the spirit inspired by Mr. Arnoux, structured by Loïc, and driven by all the goodwill of the current team.

Summary

• Creation: The CIS Foundation was created in February 2008 by Régis Arnoux, President and Founder of the CIS Group.
• Mission: To support young adults aged 18 to 25 from the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region in their professional or academic projects.
• Values: a philanthropic approach made possible by the CIS Group’s results, with a strong commitment to young people.
• Results: more than 170 young people supported since its creation, with ambitious plans for the future to develop the Foundation’s community and network.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from the CIS Foundation’s support?
Young adults aged 18 to 25 from the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region who have a professional or academic project but are held back by their financial means. Applications are submitted by referral partners.

How is the CIS Foundation funded?
The Foundation is funded by the CIS Group’s profits, enabling it to pursue its philanthropic and solidarity-based approach.

What are the Foundation’s future plans?
To develop its network of partners in order to reach more young people and strengthen the network of former grant recipients to promote mutual support.

Why does the CIS Foundation focus on young people?
Young people represent the future and the potential of the region. By supporting young people, the CIS Foundation gives them the means to overcome their limitations and achieve their ambitions.

Youth and talent: a promising future for CIS

Youth is at the heart of the CIS Foundation’s concerns, but it also embodies the future of the Group as a whole. By supporting young people through the Foundation, CIS is actively involved in building a new generation of talent. These motivated and determined young people are also potential recruits for the Group. By giving them the means to flourish in their academic or professional careers, CIS helps to reveal skills and personalities that could enrich its teams. In a constantly changing world, where economic, technological, and environmental challenges are multiplying, CIS is committed to being a key player by also drawing on the energy and creativity of young talent.