Born in Iran, Armen Mnatzakanian arrived in France in 1982 as a refugee fleeing the Iran–Iraq War. Echoing the words of Charles Aznavour, he describes himself as “100% Armenian, 100% French,” and readily adds: “I am also 100% Marseillais.” A graduate engineer from EPITA, he has pursued a career in the private sector, notably as Regional Director at VBet, while remaining deeply committed to strengthening Franco-Armenian relations.

Armen Mnatzakanian has served as President of CCIFA for more than five years, with the mission of fostering exchanges and building economic bridges between Armenia and France. Under his leadership, CCIFA opened an office in Yerevan in November 2025, inaugurated in the presence of the French Ambassador and the Armenian Minister of Economy. Nearly forty companies joined within just three weeks. The Chamber also maintains its historic headquarters in Marseille, as well as offices in Lyon and Paris.