Pierre-Jules Boulanger

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Pierre-Jules Boulanger (born in Sin-le-Noble on 10 March 1885) was a French engineer and business leader. He directed Citroën as a vice-president and as chairman between 1935 until his accidental death in November 11, 1950 in Broût-Vernet, Allier. His collaborators called him PJB. He was also called by some 'the imaginative tyrant'.

[edit] Military service

Boulanger undertook studies of fine art which he gave up prematurely to work. He worked in the French military service from 1906 to 1908. He met Marcel Michelin (nephew of Édouard Michelin). After his military service, he went to the United States where he exerted various trades. He returned to France in 1914 and was mobilized as corporal. He was a photographer in aviation. He found Marcel Michelin. He had brilliant states of service and finished the war with the rank of captain. He was decorated with the Military Cross and the legion of honour.

[edit] Michelin

He started working for Michelin in 1918. He became the direct collaborator and in 1938, he became the joint manager of Michelin.

[edit] Citroën

In December 1934, despite the assistance of the Michelin company, Citroën filed for bankruptcy. In December 1934, Michelin became the principal shareholder. He became the assistant of Pierre Michelin who was the chairman of Citroën. Pierre-Jules Boulanger became the vice-president and chief of the Engineering and design department. He became president in 1937 after the death of his friend and kept his position until his death. He also jointly managed the Michelin company.

As part of the policy to reduce costs, the wages were decreased and the launching of the 22 V8 was cancelled. The policy bore fruit and Citroën was rectified.