Michel Paulin, former CEO of OVHcloud, SFR and Neuf Cegetel, is now Chairman of the Board at Quandela as the European firm prepares to scale its photonic quantum computing technology for wider deployment. The appointments of Paulin, alongside Cyril Dujardin as Chief Operating Officer and Michel Zecri as Vice President of Industrialization, signal a decisive shift toward execution for Quandela, moving beyond scientific development to repeatable, international deployment. “Quantum computing is now moving into a phase where execution matters as much as breakthrough science,” said Niccolò Somaschi, co-founder and CEO of Quandela, emphasizing the need for robust operations alongside innovation. Quandela is focusing on photonic systems designed for and a clear roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing, and these leadership changes aim to build the necessary infrastructure to serve cloud platforms, data centers, and industrial customers.
Dujardin and Zecri Bolster Quandela’s Operations & Industrialization
These moves, along with Michel Paulin assuming the role of Chairman of the Board, demonstrate a clear roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. Paulin, formerly at the helm of OVHcloud, SFR, and Neuf Cegetel, brings extensive experience in scaling cloud and telecommunications infrastructure, a crucial asset for a company planning international expansion. The appointments address a critical juncture for quantum computing, where demonstrable execution is becoming as vital as initial scientific progress. Paulin stated, “Quandela is at a pivotal moment: exceptional technology must now be matched by an equally robust operating model,” and his focus will be on achieving scalable, reliable operations. Zecri, with 54 years of industrial leadership in high-tech manufacturing, will spearhead the scale-up of Quandela’s quantum hardware platforms. He emphasizes that scaling quantum hardware requires industrial discipline at every level, including design for manufacturability, process control, supplier strategy, quality, reliability and lifecycle support. Quandela’s specific focus on photonic quantum computing, a technology the company believes is uniquely suited for and a clear roadmap toward, positions it distinctly within the rapidly evolving quantum landscape.
Paulin’s Chairmanship Guides Strategic Growth of Photonic Systems
The current state of quantum computing is marked by a transition from purely scientific exploration to demonstrable, scalable applications; while numerous approaches compete for dominance, photonic quantum computing is gaining traction as a potentially viable path toward a clear roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Quandela, a European firm specializing in this technology, is actively reshaping its leadership to capitalize on this shift, signaling an intent to move beyond research and into large-scale deployment. Recent appointments reflect a deliberate strategy to bolster operational and industrial capabilities, essential for translating laboratory breakthroughs into commercially available quantum solutions. Cyril Dujardin now serves as Chief Operating Officer, bringing 50 years of executive experience in deeptech and complex organizational transformations, previously demonstrated at Atos and Eutelsat/OneWeb; he will oversee global operations, aligning research, product development, and customer delivery. Zecri stated, emphasizing the need for meticulous process control and supply chain management.
Paulin’s experience with large-scale cloud and telecom infrastructure is expected to be invaluable as Quandela expands its cloud-accessible quantum computing offering and forges strategic partnerships. “Quandela brings together world-class science, a pragmatic product roadmap and a strategic European position,” Paulin explained, outlining his vision to establish the company as a global technology leader.
Quantum computing is now moving into a phase where execution matters as much as breakthrough science.
Niccolò Somaschi, co-founder and CEO of Quandela
Photonic Quantum Computing Roadmap: From Deployment to Fault Tolerance
Quandela is actively reshaping its organizational structure to translate scientific advancements in photonic quantum computing into commercially viable deployments, beginning with key leadership appointments. This focus on operational efficiency signals a deliberate move beyond purely academic pursuits, prioritizing the practical challenges of scaling quantum systems. Complementing Dujardin’s appointment, Michel Zecri joins as Vice President of Industrialization, tasked with transforming Quandela’s quantum hardware into manufacturable products. Zecri’s 54 years of experience in high-tech manufacturing, including semiconductors and aerospace, will be crucial in establishing robust supply chains and quality control systems. Paulin’s experience in cloud infrastructure and telecommunications is expected to guide Quandela’s strategic direction and ecosystem positioning. The company’s stated clear roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing leverages the unique characteristics of photonic systems for real-world environments.
Quandela is at a pivotal moment: exceptional technology must now be matched by an equally robust operating model.
Cyril Dujardin, Chief Operating Officer of Quandela
