Death of Christophe de Margerie, boss of Total

It was yesterday evening around midnight local time, at Vnukovo airport in Moscow, Russia, that the private jet of Christophe de Margerie, 63, CEO of the Total group, collided with a snowplow, while the plane of the French boss was in the take-off phase. The Vendéen and three crew members died in this accident. According to initial information provided by the international press, the driver of the machine, who was not injured, was drunk at the time of the incident.

Christophe de Margerie spent his entire career within the Total company, where he rose through the ranks in 1974, notably through the general management of exploration and production, before being appointed in 2010, CEO of group replacing Thierry Desmarest. The one nicknamed Big Mustache was closely linked to the world of F1, who became an important support in the career of Romain Grosjean, Lotus driver, but also friend of Eric Boullier, currently at McLaren. “Christophe, you were one of those men you meet very rarely in your life. You believed in me and helped me achieve my dream. We always lose the best too early and this morning this sentence is more true than ever. Intimidating, impressive, kind, charming and teasing, I will always remember all these moments shared with you. They were all special and unique, like my relationship with Total F1 which was born from your initiative. You helped me but above all you taught me! I know you will always keep an eye on all of us and be proud of our accomplishments. In January you told me: “Come second this year and win next year! "I believe that 2014 is a dark year but I know that the future can only be better..." wrote the French pilot on his Facebook account.

Total is also one of the main sponsors of Red Bull Racing, and collaborates closely with Renault Sport F1, with lubricants and fuel. Total is also an unconditional supporter of the Citroën brand in the WTCC, and previously in rally-raid, and in the World Rally Championship. AUTOhebdo sends its sincere condolences to the family of Christophe de Margerie, as well as those of the crew members.