Tech Diplomacy Global 50

H.E. Clara Chappaz

Ambassador for Digital Affairs and AI
France

After the first stage of her career in the international private technology sector, Clara Chappaz combined her passion for digital innovation with her commitment to France by transitioning to the public sector upon her return to the country.

A graduate of ESSEC Business School, Clara Chappaz began her career in Southeast Asia working for various e-commerce start-ups. In 2018, she earned an MBA from Harvard University. She then joined Vestiaire Collective, a Paris-based platform for buying and selling pre-owned luxury goods, as Chief Commercial Officer.

In 2021, she took the helm of La French Tech Mission, a branch of the Ministry of the Economy supporting the growth of innovative tech start-ups in France and abroad.

On the recommendation of the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic appointed Clara Chappaz Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, under the Minister of Higher Education and Research, on September 21, 2024, and later Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, reporting to the Minister of the Economy and Finance, on December 21, 2024.

In her government role, Clara Chappaz implemented the National AI Strategy, launched the “Osez l’IA” (Dare to Use AI) plan to promote AI adoption across businesses, and organized the AI Action Summit. She worked to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty and cybersecurity. Finally, she has led a determined fight to protect minors online, by regulating access to adult content and social media platforms.