Who we are
Introducing Ourselves
Our primary mission is to promote economic exchange between the Côte d’Azur and Germany within a European and international context.
Throughout the year, events are organized in various regions of the Côte d’Azur, each featuring an expert presentation on a current economic topic, followed by time for networking.
Special events may complement these activities, such as online meetings with German clubs in the network or joint events with other international business clubs on the Côte d’Azur.
Our private exchange platform for members (VIP Area - Members' Section) facilitates interaction alongside the events.
We warmly welcome German delegations visiting our region (businesses, incubators, start-ups, public authorities, etc.), as well as newly established companies, expats, and students. At the same time, we are happy to connect our French members, who are interested in developing business in Germany, with the German offices of our network.
Arnaud AUERBACH
‘Better every day!’ is my motto
Current activity: Broker / Owner bei RE/MAX SUNSET in Valbonne Sophia Antipolis
Professional background: I started my career as a financial controller in high-tech companies such as Texas Instruments and Amadeus, then I spent 10 years travelling internationally, in Luxembourg and Germany, mainly as CFO and then CSO/Co-Managing Director at HÜPPE GmbH. Since 2022, founder and owner of RE/MAX SUNSET, the international real estate agency for the Côte d'Azur.
My connection to the Côte d'Azur: Primarily residing on the Côte d’Azur since 1984.
Franco-German vision: I have always tried to make the best of both cultures, which is why I would like to see even more cooperation between Germany and France for a stronger Europe.
Personal interests: eautiful old and youngtimers, good wine, music.
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Philippe KOPCSAN
World citizen with German family roots
Current activity: Consultant for strategy, financing and business development in France and internationally
Professional background: General management, business development, consulting and training in France and abroad (20 years in Asia, 3 years in America, 2 years in Switzerland).
Relationship to the Côte d'Azur: For 3 years on the Côte d’Azur.
Franco-German vision: Fostering closer ties between Germany and France and advancing bilateral trade relations in a time of numerous needs and opportunities.
Persönliche Interessen: chess, hiking, oenology.
Barbara KIMMIG
Born in Baden, Nice is my home.
I will continue to travel and explore the world.
Current activity: Owner-manager of the Hotel Villa Rivoli and Nice Appart
Professional background: international career in the hotel business (including Brenner's Park Hotel, Montreux Palace, Europäischer Hof, Steigenberger Hotels, Negresco...). Master II at the IAE Nice (Marketing). 2003 leap into self-employment.
Relationship to the Côte d'Azur: 26 years in Nice.
Franco-German visions: we are neighbouring countries, we have a shared history, we are actually made to understand each other naturally... We still have work to do to break down misunderstandings and prejudices in order to achieve this.
Personal interests: hiking, tennis, skiing... everything you can do here on the Côte... beach, sun, good food, good wine, a good book... travelling.
Alexander SCHRAA
You should not limit yourself and always keep an open mind.
Be curious and explore. There are so many good things to do.
Current activity: German Desk Lead at Grant Thornton
Professional background: Over 30 years of experience in accounting, tax and consulting:
- 15 years in Germany, including more than 5 years as head of accounting for a group of companies specialising in credit ratings, debt collection and consulting.
- More than 15 years in France working for specialised auditing and consulting firms for German companies.
- Since 2017, head of the German Desk at Grant Thornton France.
Connection to the Côte d'Azur: I appreciate the south of France and the Côte d'Azur privately and professionally. This region offers exciting opportunities that I would like to integrate more in the future.
Franco-German visions: Building bridges, celebrating diversity and strengthening trust – for a partnership based on respect and understanding.
Personal interests: Travelling and dining. Travelling by train and being by the sea. Enjoying. Culture and way of life.
Aila STÖCKMANN
Finally officially Franco-German.
Current occupation: journalist Azurblau.fr and YouTuber RIVIERA GO!
Professional background: Editor at a German daily newspaper, then editor/managing editor at RIVIERAZEIT for almost 20 years, freelance journalist since 2022
My connection to the Côte d'Azur: Life brought me here by chance at the end of 2002 – and this region has never let me go since.
Franco-German visions: So close together, yet so different in some ways: I would like to see more open-mindedness and a warm welcome. This could be extended to Europe and the whole world.
Personal interests: Sport, nature, reading, art, my dogs.
Océane JANTON
Übung macht den Meister
Current occupation: Freelance Executive Assistant
Professional background: After completing my high school diploma in 2012, I went to Berlin as an au pair because I wanted to learn German. It was an incredible experience and sparked my passion for personal service and event planning. I then spent 10 years in the music industry between Paris and abroad, working as a musician and event coordinator.
Ever curious, I continued training in communication, digital marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, which gave me the desire to start my own business. And what better profession than executive assistant to bring all my skills together and support ambitious entrepreneurs?
My connection to the Côte d'Azur: I was born in Nice and decided to move back there in May 2024.
Franco-German visions: France and Germany form a true European "power duo." The legendary German rigor brings order to our joyful creative chaos, while our French touch adds a bit of sparkle to their sometimes overly serious tendencies!
Personal interests: human relations, ambitious minds, and the Dolce Vita.
Throughout the year, events are held in various regions of the Côte d'Azur, where current economic topics are presented by experts. Participants then have the opportunity to make valuable connections. Complementary online events and collaborations with international clubs complete our offering.
Testimonials
A brief introduction to SAP Labs France:
SAP Labs France is an R&D subsidiary of the SAP group, the world leader in enterprise software. The company is spread across three sites in France (Sophia Antipolis, Caen and Paris). The main objective of SAP Labs France is to develop and improve the solutions and products offered to its customers. SAP Labs France has specialised in research in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence for several years and has strengthened its commitment in 2024 by opening an AI Customer Experience Centre at its Sophia Antipolis site.
What was your motivation for joining Club CAFA?
We have been a member of the Franco-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry for several years and value the quality of the exchange opportunities and events it organises in Paris. The management of SAP Labs France wanted to experience these quality exchanges within its local ecosystem: the Sophia Antipolis community and the Côte d'Azur region. It was therefore only logical to join CAFA Côte d'Azur, motivated by the desire to exchange ideas with other innovative companies in the region, share experiences and strengthen our professional network.
Feedback (positive) on past meetings:
CAFA Côte d'Azur provides a platform for discussing current and future trends, which is helpful for remaining competitive and innovative.
During the last few CAFA Côte d'Azur events, we realised that the business club is an important source of information and dialogue for players in the Franco-German market. It also offers a platform for networking, contact mediation and company visits in the region. Our meetings with CAFA Côte d'Azur have been extremely positive and rewarding. The lively discussions, insightful presentations and sharing of experiences and best practices have given us a better understanding of the challenges our partners face and allowed us to contribute our own ideas and solutions.
Which topics/areas would you suggest for future meetings?
At SAP Labs France, we place particular emphasis on technological aspects, innovations in the field of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. It would be interesting to explore these topics in more depth at future meetings. Exchanges with companies in the region that are facing similar challenges could be very informative, allowing us to compare experiences and learn from each other. In addition, it would be extremely valuable for members to hear about specific use cases for these technologies. Another topic that could be explored is the question of how to attract new talent to the Côte d'Azur in a competitive and international environment.
A brief introduction to Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur
Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur manages Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the second largest airport complex in France, Cannes Mandelieu, the second largest business airport in Europe, and Golfe de Saint-Tropez Airport. The group also has a subsidiary, Sky Valet Connect, which offers ground services for business aviation at 42 locations throughout Europe.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is an international airport with over a hundred destinations worldwide, including 13 long-haul scheduled flights to Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, New York, Montreal, Philadelphia and Riyadh. The airport offers eight connections to Germany, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, where the club regularly organises meetings. In 2023, over 510,000 German passengers travelled to the Côte d'Azur via our terminals.
What motivated you to join Club CAFA?
This network and the diversity between commercial and business aviation fit perfectly into the fabric of the Franco-German business club. Our mission is to promote cultural and economic exchange. It was therefore a natural step for us to join this club, whose dynamism and growth reflect the enthusiasm of its members.
What feedback do you have?
I was able to experience this dynamism personally when I attended one of the last club meetings. The quality of the discussions, the willingness to share experiences and create new development opportunities – all in a pleasant and structured setting – convinced me to join CAFA Côte d'Azur.
By definition, we know how important the strength of a network is. If our network can help promote the interests of Franco-German entrepreneurs and strengthen the business climate, we will be happy to support it.
Furthermore, the European aviation sector is characterised by the strength of the Franco-German partnership. Airbus is present from Toulouse to Hamburg, as well as in Paris and Berlin. And alongside this flagship, many other players on both sides of the Rhine are also working to shape the future of air mobility: Lilium, Volocopter, Aura Aero... This collaboration in the ‘laboratory of tomorrow's aviation’ is certainly one of the topics that could find a place in the discussions of the CAFA Côte d'Azur.