Disappearance of Jacques Espérandieu: “A boss of Le Parisien that everyone respected”

Espé, everyone who worked at Le Parisien during the glorious years, more than 25 years ago today, called it that! Jacques Espérandieu, for those who did not have the honor of having known him and worked alongside him in an editorial office, passed away on December 28 at the age of 76.

His funeral will take place this Friday, January 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Aubenas funeral home (Ardèche). In this city which saw him born (October 16, 1949) and grow up, a region to which he has always remained linked and attached.

A graduate of Sciences-po Grenoble, he began his career as a journalist in Brussels. In 1977, he joined Les Échos, the economic daily before joining the weekly L’Express. In 1995, he arrived “at our house”. First editor-in-chief, he was named deputy editorial director. “Jacques was one of the architects of the exceptional success of Le Parisien in the 2000s,” writes one of the house’s veterans. A boss that everyone respected. »

He was not a big talker, but he enjoyed spending every day with his hands behind his back and a little smile on his face in the different departments, taking the pulse of the editorial staff. And then, he knew how to express his satisfaction. I have never forgotten having received a letter from him congratulating me, in chosen and strong words, for the portrait of a student who had denounced the harassment of which he was a victim. For a young journalist, it was quite a recognition!

In 2005, he became editorial director of the Journal du Dimanche, which he left in 2008. Since his illness – he suffered from Parkinson’s disease – he rarely left his Ardèche lands without being less interested in the noises of the world.

To his wife Christiane, to his two daughters, Manon and Cléo, we send our most sincere condolences.