Georges Vianès sadly passed away on 4 February, at the age of 86. From 1989 to 1991, during the mandate of Director-General Carlo Rubbia, he was the Head of Administration at CERN and a member of the Directorate. 

He was formally appointed to the role during the 86th session of the CERN Council in December 1988, in the light of his already extensive experience.   

He received his law degree in 1960 and went on to obtain a diploma from the Institut d'études politiques de Paris in 1961 and a postgraduate diploma in economic sciences in 1962. He trained at the École nationale d'administration (ENA) from 1965 to 1967, before joining the Cour des Comptes as an auditor in 1967 to audit and regulate public funding and accounting within France.

From 1971 to 1975, he was deputy director of the Agence nationale de valorisation de la recherche (ANVAR), which promoted technology transfer between French research institutions and industry. Later, from 1975 to 1982, he was the director of the Institut national de la propriété industrielle (INPI). He helped to create the European Patent Organisation (EPO) in 1977 and was appointed Chairman of its Board of until 1981. He was also Chief Executive Officer of the French bank Banque Worms from 1982 to 1984. From 1985, he was Director-General of Regional Development and the Industrial and Technological Environment in the French Ministry of Industry and Research, prior to his role at CERN.

During his three-year appointment in the CERN Directorate, starting in 1989, he implemented a number of reorganisations of CERN’s administration. Former colleagues remember fondly his straightforward, uncompromising and honest character, which was greatly appreciated by all. 

Following his time at CERN, he went on to become mayor of the French commune of Ferney-Voltaire from 1995 to 2001. During his time as mayor, he was instrumental in the purchase of the Château de Voltaire by the State in 1999. He returned to the Cour des Comptes in 1994 and had a long career there until his retirement in 2007.

In the course of his career, he was awarded many honours, including Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, Officier de l'ordre national du Mérite and Chevalier de l'ordre du Mérite agricole.

CERN extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Georges Vianès.