Odile Desforges graduated from the École Centrale Paris in 1973. She began her career at the Transport Research Institute, before joining Renault in 1981 as Planner and then Product Engineer. In 1986, she joined the Purchasing department as manager for external equipments. She then became Body Equipment Purchasing General Manager for Renault/Volvo Purchasing Organization, then for Renault. In 1999, she became Executive Vice-President of Renault-VI Mack Group, before becoming in 2001 President of Volvo Group’s 3P Business Unit.

In 2003, she was appointed Senior Vice-President, Purchasing, and Chairwoman and -managing director of Renault Nissan Purchasing Organization (RNPO). Between March 1, 2009 and July 1, 2012, she was Executive Vice-President, Engineering and Quality, and a member of the Group Executive Committee.

Other current positions and directorships:

Director of Faurecia (listed company in France)