Robert Zolade is the co-founder of the Elior group, which he co-chaired and then chaired since it was formed in 1991, until 2014. Previously, he held various executive positions within the Accor group, including Chairman and CEO of Société Générale de Restauration in 1990, and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et de Tourisme from 1990 to 1992. Robert Zolade graduated from Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (IEP) and also holds a degree in law and a post-graduate degree in economics.