A human adventure
Cornilleau’s success is based on its products, but прежде all on the men and women who know how to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. Since its creation in 1946, the company has had three leaders, each of whom has brought their vision and energy to make Cornilleau the brand it is today.
Émile Cornilleau
President from 1946 to 1979
Working with materials and cabinetmaking expertise
When he left Paris for the Oise region on his in-laws’ advice, Émile planned to make use of his skills as a cabinetmaker and opened his workshop to contribute to post-war reconstruction. This is how the Cornilleau company was born, which prospered under his leadership in the construction sector, reaching around twenty employees by the late 1960s.
Pierre Cornilleau
President from 1979 to 2003
Innovation and industrialisation of table tennis tables
In 1961, Pierre joined his father as soon as he finished his studies. His technical background, instinct, and industrial vision led Cornilleau to undergo a complete transformation, moving from construction to table tennis in 1969. Design, ergonomics, safety, performance, durability—he never stopped innovating to make Cornilleau a leader in its sector. His success is inseparable from Colette, his wife and his alter ego within the company, who successfully approached the great champion Jacques Secrétin in the early 1980s to create a highly fruitful partnership that greatly boosted the Cornilleau brand’s visibility.
Michel Zany
President since 2003
International expansion and diversification
Having joined as Sales and Marketing Director in 1992, Michel spent 11 years alongside Pierre, who passed on to him the company’s values and DNA. Michel brought his entrepreneurial vision and successfully exported Cornilleau’s know-how worldwide. Becoming President in 2003 following Pierre’s retirement, he continues and enriches the spirit of his predecessors by innovating further and conquering new markets. He led the way in diversifying the brand’s offer, introducing a complete line of table tennis bats and accessories in the 2000s, followed by the launch of an outdoor billiard table in 2019, quickly followed by other products such as trampolines and table football.
"Constantly reinventing ourselves is the only way to deliver a high-quality playing experience through our products."
Michel Zany - President
