Christian Lionnet appointed IDC chief executive |02 April 2026

Christian Lionnet is the new IDC chief executive (Photo: IDC)

Christian Lionnet is the new chief executive officer of the Islands Development Company.

Mr Lionnet’s appointment was announced by the board yesterday.  

He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (MEng) from the University of Manchester, in the United Kingdom, and brings over 24 years of working experience in both the public service and the private sector.

Mr Lionnet began his career as a civil engineer in 2002 with the Seychelles Land Transport Agency. In the same year, he joined the then Ministry of Land Use and Housing, where he served for over 14 years, from 2002 to 2016.

During this period, he held several key positions, including director and principal secretary, through which he acquired invaluable skills and experience while working across the ministry’s various specialised departments and functions. In 2012, he was appointed Minister for Land Use and Housing, a position he held until 2016.

Prior to his appointment as chief executive of the Islands Development Company (IDC), Mr Lionnet served as deputy chief executive officer since 2019.  In this capacity, he has played a pivotal role across the full spectrum ofthe company’s operations, including aviation, shipping, construction, agriculture and aquaculture, as well as island operations.

Mr Lionnet assumed his new role as chief executive officer yesterday, April 1, 2026.

The board has also expressed its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the outgoing chief executive, Cyril Bonnelame, for his dedicated service and contributions to the company during his tenure.

Press release from IDC