Jean-Pierre Rivère steps down as President of OGC Nice, Fabrice Bocquet, until now CEO, appointed President and CEO

After 14 years at the helm of OGC Nice, Jean-Pierre Rivère has decided to step down as Club President – a decision fully respected by INEOS. The decision will become effective the 20th of August 2025.

Appointed in 2011, at a time when the Club was frequently battling relegation, Jean-Pierre Rivère leaves behind a profoundly transformed OGC Nice. Under his leadership, the Club has become more structured, professional, and modern in all areas. Sportingly, it has taken a step up, competing in European competitions in 7 of the last 14 seasons, and establishing a stable presence among the top sides in French football.

Jean-Pierre Rivère also brought in strong and ambitious investors, including INEOS in 2019, helping the Club enter a new era.

Although stepping down, his attachment to the Club remains strong. He will continue to support OGC Nice as an ambassador and as President of its Endowment Fund — continuing his contribution in a different but meaningful role.

Fabrice Bocquet, who has served as CEO of OGC Nice since 2022, will been appointed President and CEO of the Club from the 20th of August 2025.
This decision, taken by INEOS, the Club’s owner, reflects the continuity of the project led over the past few years and recognizes the quality of the work he has accomplished since his arrival.
Over the past three years, Fabrice Bocquet has made a significant contribution to the Club’s success, overseeing the day-to-day management of all its activities. He has structured key strategic functions, strengthened organizational performance, and consolidated internal governance.
This appointment confirms a leadership role he had already fully assumed on an operational level. Fabrice Bocquet will now take on full responsibility for the Club, in direct coordination with INEOS and Jean Claude Blanc. He will continue to drive OGC Nice’s ambitions forward — including through his active role with the French Professional Football League and the European Club Association.

Jean-Pierre Rivère:

"I want to address a warm “thank you” to everyone I had the chance to meet along the way during these beautiful years, it’s been an exceptional human adventure. My first aim was to establish a presence among the first half of the league table, to try and be European and, ultimately, find investors who would be able to guide OGC Nice with its development. I want also to thank INEOS for their presence, their investment and their permanent support. OGC Nice is now a solid, ambitious and structured club. I’m really happy to let Fabrice Bocquet, whom will know, with Florian Maurice and Franc Haise, how to write the next beautiful chapters of the Gym’s history. I step away with heartfelt confidence about the Club’s future."

Fabrice Bocquet:

"Jean-Pierre Rivère has done an incredible job, and his legacy commands respect. I have enjoyed every day of our collaboration over the last 3 years. He’s a central figure in the Club’s modern history. It’s an honor to succeed him. I fully appreciate the responsibility I’m taking on, and I thank the Club’s owners for their trust. I will approach this mission with commitment and humility."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Owner – INEOS:

"We warmly thank Jean-Pierre Rivère for his invaluable contribution over the years, and for his loyalty and commitment in representing INEOS since we acquired the Club. He led OGC Nice with passion, loyalty, and a clear vision. On behalf of INEOS, I want to express our gratitude and congratulations. He can walk away with his head held high. Our commitment to OGC Nice remains absolute, and we have made the natural choice — based on confidence — to entrust the Club’s continued development to Fabrice Bocquet. For the past three seasons, Fabrice has demonstrated his ability to lead the club with discipline, vision, and leadership. He has already laid the foundations of a high-performing, forward-looking organisation."

 

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