A human adventure
Cornilleau's success is built on its products, but first and foremost on the men and women who know how to push boundaries and transform ideas into achievements. Since its creation in 1946, the company has seen three leaders, each bringing their vision and energy to make Cornilleau the brand it is today.
Émile Cornilleau
President from 1946 to 1979
Craftsmanship and woodworking expertise
When he left Paris for the Oise region on the advice of his in-laws, Émile intended to put his skills as a carpenter to good use and opened his workshop to participate in the post-war reconstruction. This saw the birth of the Cornilleau establishments, which flourished under his leadership in the construction sector, reaching a workforce of around twenty people by the end of the 1960s.
Pierre Cornilleau
President from 1979 to 2003
Innovation and industrialization of ping-pong tables
In 1961, Pierre joined his father as soon as he finished his studies. His technical background, instinct, and industrial vision led Cornilleau to transform completely, moving from the construction industry to table tennis in 1969. Design, ergonomics, safety, performance, durability—he never stopped innovating to make Cornilleau the leader in its sector. His success is inseparable from Colette, his wife and alter ego in the company, who successfully approached the great champion Jacques Secrétin in the early 1980s to create an extremely fruitful partnership for the Cornilleau brand's reputation.
Michel Zany
President since 2003
International expansion and diversification
Having arrived as Sales and Marketing Director in 1992, Michel spent 11 years alongside Pierre, who passed on the company's values and DNA to him. Michel brought his entrepreneurial vision and succeeded in exporting Cornilleau's expertise worldwide. After becoming President in 2003 following Pierre's retirement, he has continued and enriched the spirit of his predecessors by constantly innovating and conquering new markets. It was he who paved the way for the brand's product diversification, with a complete line of ping-pong rackets and accessories (2000s) and the release of an outdoor billiard table (2019), quickly followed by other products such as the trampoline and table football.
"Never ceasing to reinvent ourselves is the only way to offer a high-quality playing experience through our products."
Michel Zany - President
