Ipsos Co-President Jean-Marc Lech Dies

Ipsos has announced that its Co-President Jean-Marc Lech died this morning in Paris, after suffering from a 'serious health issue' since the summer.

Lech (pictured) began his career in 1970 at the Institut Français d'Opinion Publique where he became CEO in 1980. In 1982, he joined Ipsos as Co-President alongside economist Didier Truchot, who had founded the company in 1975 and with whom Lech had previously worked at IFOP.

At the end of 2000, the pair took a step back from running the business on a day-to-day basis, but remained active in the company as Co-Chairmen of the Board. However, last July it was announced that Lech would temporarily step down from his role, in order to focus on the 'care necessary for his health until his full recovery'.

Following this afternoon's announcement, Didier Truchot said: 'Jean-Marc and I have been close friends for over 40 years and we have been partners in leading Ipsos for the past 32 years. His passing is an immense loss to his family, to me, to Ipsos and to the entire industry in which he played a major role and was source of inspiration.'

In a statement just issued, Ipsos said the thoughts of the company's Board, the management team and employees go to Jean-Marc's family and close friends.