Speaker Bio

Youzec Kurp is Vice-President and General Manager of the Airspace Mobility Solutions Business Line at Thales, where he spearheads global efforts to transform air traffic ecosystems by enhancing safety, efficiency, and resilience. Under his leadership, the business drives cutting-edge innovations that shape the future of airspace mobility worldwide.

Prior to this role, he successfully led the Identity and Biometric Solutions Business Line, overseeing complex national and international programs focused on digital trust, border security, and biometric innovation.

Youzec began his international career in South Africa as a Consulting Engineer for the French government, supporting bilateral economic development and advising French enterprises on investment and strategic partnerships across Southern Africa.
In 1997, he entered the security and identity industry, holding various leadership roles in international business development, solution offer marketing, and operations management. Over the years, he has worked alongside governments across the globe-enabling cybersecurity transformation, secure identity systems, and mission-critical public infrastructure.

He joined Gemalto in 2005 as International Business Development Director, was promoted to Vice-President Sales in 2007, and was later appointed head of the Identity Document Business in 2012. In these roles, he propelled global growth by championing innovation, industrial excellence, and deep government engagement.

A dual-degree holder, Youzec graduated as an engineer from ESIEE Paris and earned his business credentials from ESCP Europe, blending technical mastery with strategic business acumen to lead complex, high-impact initiatives.