To have more time to spend formulating international strategy for the company he co-founded, Marc Lassus has stepped aside as CEO of Gemplus S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of smart cards. Lassus has taken the tongue-in-cheek title of globetrotting sales manager, aiming to closely manage Gemplus’ business in Asia and the US Little wonder, considering that 87% of the company’s business come from export and its Asia business has exploded, increasing by nearly 200%. Lassus is also intent on monitoring the emerging smart-card applications in the US. He will be assisted in the role by his right-hand man and former chief operating officer Hubert Giraud. Lassus will also use the time to prepare Gemplus’s IPO, set for 1998.
