[Alumni Story] : Thomas Desassis

After obtaining a DUT in Marketing Techniques, I joined the Grande École programme at Rennes School of Business via the Passerelle competitive entrance exam. As soon as I arrived, I got involved in community life by joining the BDS list, with which we won the elections after a great campaign.

The core curriculum of the PGE enabled me to acquire a solid grounding in management, before specialising in International Human Resource Management. I then did a gap year dedicated to human resources, consolidating my skills in the field through a variety of professional experiences.

I also spent a semester abroad in Calcutta, India, enriching my intercultural approach to management.

Finally, I concluded my academic career with an end-of-studies placement at Walters People, in the recruitment department, thus strengthening my expertise in talent management.

• What is your current activity?

Since 2016, I’ve been a multi-site, multi-brand manager in the restaurant sector, with expertise in the creation, development and operational management of restaurant concepts with a strong identity.

I started out managing a Starbucks coffee shop in Tours. Building on this first successful experience, I founded my holding company in 2019, with the aim of structuring my business and diversifying my entrepreneurial projects. In June 2020, I launched my own healthy fast food brand, Poke & Bowl, with a first opening in Tours. Given its success, a second establishment was opened in July 2021. Continuing my development strategy, in March 2022 I created the Taj Indian street food concept, with the opening of my first restaurant in Tours. In 2024, I initiated organic growth with the acquisition of a Class’Croute franchise in Tours, via the purchase of 100% of the shares in U and CO, which had been operating the chain since its creation in 2009.

• What’s your greatest achievement?

If I had to pick out a few, I’d say I’m particularly proud of having created two original restaurant concepts from scratch. We had to come up with the whole identity for the brands, from the name and logo to the graphics, the menu, the choice of products, the price positioning and the decoration of the premises. A true entrepreneurial creation, from A to Z.

I’m also very proud to have successfully completed my first external growth project, by buying an existing, profitable company. I learnt an enormous amount at every stage of the process: from the initial discussions with the manager, through to drafting the letter of intent (LOI), analysing the company’s financial performance and assets with my chartered accountant, negotiating the sale agreement, obtaining bank financing, operational training, then meeting the teams, finalising the legal aspects, and finally supporting the transition with the former franchisee.

But beyond the projects, I think that my greatest success is having created jobs and stability: today, around 45 people work in the different structures that I have developed. I’m immensely proud to be making a real contribution to the local economy and to sustainable career paths.

• In your opinion, what is the value of the network in general? The Alumni network in particular?

I have to admit that I’ve never yet taken part in any of the events or discussions organised by the Alumni network. It’s not for lack of interest, but rather for lack of time or opportunity. That said, I appreciate the importance of such a network, and I remain curious and open to the idea of getting more involved in the future.

• Tell us about an opportunity you had thanks to the school

The BDS campaign in my first year will remain an unforgettable memory. It was an incredible human adventure! We really enjoyed the campaign, working together as a team and putting all our energy into winning.

And then there was the Coupe de France des ESC in football… An exceptional journey that took us all the way to the Final Five at Clairefontaine! Spending a weekend there, on the legendary pitches, with our team, was a memorable experience that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.

• Your best encounter at Rennes School of Business?

Friends I’m still in touch with today!

• What advice would you give to a recent graduate?

There’s one thing you need to bear in mind: getting your diploma doesn’t guarantee you a dream job as soon as you start work. What it does do, however, is give you the keys to progressing faster and aiming higher.

Make the most of your time at the school to develop your sense of teamwork, improve your English (personally, I was very shy when I arrived, and today I’m fluent – this development has really given me self-confidence), learn to manage projects, lead meetings and communicate effectively with teams.

Thanks to the school, my speaking skills have improved enormously. As soon as I started out in the professional world, I felt ready to speak with confidence and guide my teams in the direction I wanted to take.

Above all, enjoy yourself: on the course, in your clubs and societies, in sport and in the people you meet. You’ll meet some wonderful people and learn to work with a wide variety of profiles. The cultural diversity that you encounter on a daily basis at Rennes SB is an immense asset – learn to understand it, appreciate it and value it.

• Do you have a hidden passion/talent?

I used to play judo at a high level. I’m still a sportsman at the age of 34, and I play competitive football at departmental level. My hidden talent? Empathy! I know how to adapt to different situations and relationships, and that helps me a lot in managing my teams.

• The final word?

Thank you for thinking of me for this portrait! I hope that all the students will LEARN, in terms of general knowledge, but above all LEARN to get to know themselves better, learn to make a self-diagnosis so that they can make the most of their strengths in their business (capitalise on them), and define the essential areas for progress. Get up every morning and try to be better than the day before (even if it’s difficult, because we’re all human and we all have our ups and downs in terms of motivation and performance). I think that success often comes down to modesty, the ability to question oneself, the ability to judge one’s personal performance with hindsight and humility… Learning to dare, to launch oneself towards the realisation of one’s projects. Never overestimate yourself, but learn from each achievement to become better. Hang in there and face failure with courage. Believe in your dreams despite internal and external difficulties…