Benjamin Verlingue
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Adelaide Group
Q
Tell me about growing up in Quimper, France
A
Quimper is a charming small town in western France, near the Atlantic Ocean, with a population of about 70,000. Growing up there was a wonderful experience.
Although I’m not much of a sailor, having the opportunity to go out on a boat or do some fishing was always enjoyable. At the same time, living in Quimper makes you aware that you’re not at the center of the world, which makes traveling even more valuable. As a child, I was fortunate to travel with my family, taking nearly monthlong trips every August. This mix of small-town life, with its excellent quality of living, and the chance to explore the world offered a really well-rounded upbringing.
Favorite Vacation Spot: “One place where I was on holiday and it was really great, was Bolivia. It’s pretty protected. The landscapes are great. The people are so nice. I really recommend it—not too much, because we shouldn’t have too much tourism over there, but it’s a really great place to go.”
Favorite Place to visit in France (Outside Quimper): Paris (“If you just go to France once, or just for a few days, Paris is still a must-see.”)
Favorite Places to visit in the United States: New York and Chicago
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite Musician: Alain Souchon
Favorite Author: René Barjavel
Favorite Restaurant In Quimper: “In Quimper, you need to have crepes. It’s the thing to do. It’s pretty basic—ham and cheese and eggs. You’re going to find 50 different places. Most of them are pretty good.”
Favorite French Dish: Seafood (“It can be sea bass, it can be langoustine, with rice or potatoes, not too much sauce. I love it.”)
Q
You also traveled in Asia. That must have been something as a young person.
A
Traveling in Asia 30 years ago was great as a family—it was quite affordable, very safe, and offered plenty of activities for young children. We traveled to places like the Philippines, India, and Indonesia.
Q
What are your favorite places to show visitors in Quimper?
A
There are two places I would recommend to visitors—one tied to our family history and the other reflecting the town’s geography. My grandfather was a pottery manufacturer in northern France. Unfortunately, his factory burned down, so he moved to Quimper to start over by partnering with another entrepreneur. Together, they revitalized pottery production in Quimper. Although the factory is no longer open, we now have a museum that offers a glimpse into what life and industry were like 100 to 200 years ago, when pottery was a significant part of the local economy. The second place is the fish market, where you can buy fresh seafood directly from the boats and enjoy langoustines—a truly unique experience.
Q
When I go back to France, where should I go?
A
First of all, Quimper. France is incredibly diverse, offering everything from a small town on the Atlantic Ocean to the bustling streets of Paris, the sunny charm of southern France, or the Alps for skiing. There’s something for everyone. My only advice: Don’t try to do too much at once.
Q
You have worked with your father, Jacques, who you recently succeeded as chairman and CEO at the Adelaide Group, and your sister Audrey, who’s now deputy CEO. Are there difficult parts of working with your family?
A
I consider myself quite fortunate. Our transition went smoothly, and Audrey was happy to have me join the business. We were aligned in supporting each other and shared the same goals. It’s important to focus on the positive aspects of working as a family— trusting one another and being fully transparent—while also maintaining a professional approach to the business. My dad also took over from his father, but in his case, he had to assert himself and push his father aside a bit to step into the role. I think he wanted to ensure that history didn’t repeat itself for our transition.
Q
What would your co-workers be surprised to learn about you?
A
I spent almost one year in China learning Chinese, and it was a great experience. Unfortunately, due to a lack of persistence, I can no longer speak the language. However, it was truly enriching to dive into a culture so different from my own—not just as a tourist, but through a deeper, more meaningful experience.
Q
What three words would your co-workers use to describe your management style?
A
Vision, accountability, and proximity.
Q
What gives you your leader’s edge in this industry?
A
I believe having a clear vision is essential. Without knowing where you want to go, the chances of reaching your goals are slim. Equally as important is talent attraction— bringing in the right people who excel individually but, more importantly, can work effectively as a team. That’s what truly makes a difference.
