For its fourth edition, the ‘Épopée Deloitte Les 40’ ranking highlights the 40 personalities under the age of 40 who are driving the economy of western France.
Clément Quéguiner (Quéguiner Group), Claire Bretton (Underdog), and Benjamin Verlingue (Adelaïde Group) occupy the top three spots in this ranking, which includes 17 new entrants, representing nearly 43% renewal. This edition confirms the vitality and diversity of the entrepreneurial landscape in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire region, with a strong presence of impactful companies in various fields such as the circular economy, responsible food production, and renewable energies.
A list of winners reflecting diversity and innovation
The 2026 ranking illustrates a wide variety of sectors and economic models. It includes leaders from long-established companies rooted in the local economy, such as Etienne Pasquier (Groupe Pasquier, 11th), Pierre-Franck Chemin (Groupe Douaud, 18th), and Eugénie Girardeau (Minoterie Girardeau, 21st), representing key sectors such as agri-food and transport.
The ranking also highlight leaders of innovative and impactful companies, such as Victor Brangeon (Groupe Brangeon, 6th), who embodies the circular economy with waste collection and recycling, Camille Callennec (Ostrea, 20th), who specialises in the production of low-carbon materials, and Frédéric Mugnier (Faguo, 10th), who promotes eco-responsible and more sustainable fashion. All are committed to transforming the economy for the better and embody this generation of entrepreneurs who are committed to their regions.
Sovereignty and innovation: a shared commitment
Economic sovereignty is at the heart of these entrepreneurs’ concerns. It is built through innovation, mastery of local supply chains, and bold decisions. The 2026 winners, 41% of whom are women, show that sovereignty is something that is lived out on a daily basis. Their commitment to strong and sustainable ecosystems – by promoting local expertise, developing responsible supply chains and forging strong partnerships – contributes to building a resilient economy that creates value.
Sébastien Le Corfec, Director of Ecosystems at Épopée Gestion, states: ‘The top five in this ranking perfectly embody our vision for the region: an ecosystem capable of bringing together AI, family businesses, industrial consolidation, impact and a clear ambition for the future.’
An event marked by regional commitment
The awards ceremony was held in Rennes, under the patronage of Damien Destremau, Chief Executive Officer of The Reefer Group, a manufacturer of refrigerated vehicles. On this occasion, he shared his strategic vision: with CSR as a compass, to accelerate the energy and industrial transition of temperature-controlled transport, while consolidating the group’s position as European leader. Damien Destremau also emphasised the strategic importance of having companies that are firmly rooted in their local areas, capable of combining industrial proximity, robust local ecosystems and international reach in order to create sustainable value and strengthen their economic resilience.
Economic and territorial sovereignty is now a key issue for the future of our regions. Participants attend a round table discussion entitled “2030, sovereignty: how can we work for our territories?”, where committed entrepreneurs such as Jérémie Cognard (13ᵉ) from Agriloops, Maël Disa-Vingataramin (12ᵉ) from GazoTech, and Marie Paindavoine (25ᵉ) from Skyld discussed concrete levers for strengthening the autonomy and resilience of regions.
Charles Cabillic and Ronan Le Moal, co-founders of Épopée Gestion, emphasise: “This ranking is much more than just a list: it reflects a generation that dares, innovates and builds the future of our regions. These entrepreneurs prove that economic sovereignty is earned every day, project after project. We are proud to help shine a spotlight on them through this ranking.”
Guillaume Radigue, Partner at Deloitte, adds: “Through their careers, the 40 talented individuals who make up this fourth edition demonstrate that innovation and regional impact are the pillars of a competitive and sustainable economy. Family businesses, mid-sized companies and start-ups: these players, whom we support on a daily basis at Deloitte, contribute to the attractiveness of our regions through their vision and commitment. Their ability to combine performance, responsibility and local roots is a source of inspiration for the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in western France.”