SOFICO strengthens its Board of Directors with the appointment of Yves Bonnefont, former Chief Software Officer at Stellantis

Yves Bonnefont brings extensive leadership experience at the intersection of mobility and technology. As former Chief Software Officer at Stellantis and Chief Executive Officer of DS Automobiles, he has led major transformations in electrification, digital mobility services, and customer-centric innovation. His strategic perspectives will be instrumental as SOFICO continues to support finance and leasing companies globally.

The automotive finance and leasing industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the transition to electric and connected vehicles, the rise of digital customer journeys, and new ownership and usage models, which are impacting positively SOFICO and accelerating client demand. By welcoming Yves Bonnefont on its Board, SOFICO gains a seasoned voice who has experienced these changes first-hand, ensuring the customer perspective remains central to its strategy.

In 2024, SOFICO welcomed Astorg, a leading pan European private equity firm, as majority shareholder alongside its founders, opening a new phase of growth. The company is accelerating both organically and via targeted acquisitions, while strengthening its leadership in automotive finance and mobility software. SOFICO is also investing in innovation and talent and extending its global reach to better serve customers worldwide.

This appointment reinforces SOFICO’s commitment of staying close to the market and ensuring its software solutions anticipate tomorrow’s needs. By combining strong technology leadership with governance rooted in industry realities, SOFICO strengthens its position as a trusted partner for customers worldwide. Supported by Astorg’s ownership, continued product innovation – including the SOFICO Miles Retail Suite – and an expanding international footprint, SOFICO is building the leadership capacity required to sustain its global growth journey.

Yves Bonnefont said: “I am honored to join SOFICO’s Board of Directors. Having worked on the OEM side, I know first-hand the complexity and pace of change in today’s automotive and mobility landscape. Finance and leasing companies need partners who not only provide technology but also understand their transformation journey. SOFICO has proven it can do both, and I look forward to supporting its mission to help customers navigate this new era.”

Wim De Bruyne, Chief Executive Officer of SOFICO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Yves. His expertise bridges the worlds of automotive manufacturing and mobility services with our customers’ reality in finance and leasing. Having this voice at our Board strengthens our ability to translate market changes into practical, innovative software solutions. This appointment is another step in ensuring SOFICO remains the long-term partner our customers can rely on as their industry evolves.”

Charles Hubert le Baron, Partner & Head of Tech & Software at Astorg Midcap, added: “Yves brings invaluable insights into the transformation shaping our customers’ businesses. His appointment aligns with SOFICO’s strategy of connecting governance with customer realities, reinforcing the company’s leadership as the global reference in its field. At Astorg, we are committed to backing ambitious teams and driving sustainable growth through active board support, innovation, talent, and strategic expansion.”

Yves Bonnefont joins a Board that also includes representatives from Astorg and Apheon, alongside SOFICO’s management team, Piet Maes and Gémar Hompes—a strong combination of industry experience, entrepreneurial vision, and governance excellence.