Key Figures in French Jigsaw Puzzles

Born Sophie Gougenheim on 2 September 1959 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
Career Timeline
- 1976–1981 – Studied Economics and Business Administration at university before specialising in marketing and market research.
- 1981–1997 – Worked in marketing and market research, conducting studies for major companies and brands, including Coca-Cola and Hachette Éducation.
- 31 August 1997 – Acquired the business assets of Michèle Wilson Art Puzzles and founded PMW (Puzzle Michèle Wilson), ensuring the continuation of one of France's leading handcrafted wooden puzzle manufacturers.
- 12 September 2012 – Founded Les Parisettes, a boutique and brand offering creative gifts and souvenirs inspired by the identity and heritage of Paris.
- 2013 – Transferred ownership of Puzzle Michèle Wilson to Julien Vahanian.
- Since 2014 – Has been actively involved in promoting the art of handcrafted wooden jigsaw puzzles through exhibitions, public events, and environmentally responsible collaborations associated with the Michèle Wilson brand.
- 2017–2018 – Managing Director of Wilson Jeux.
- 2022–2025 – Managing Director of Les Parisettes.

Born on 1 October 1976.
1996 – Entered the prestigious École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, one of France's leading engineering schools.
1999–2013 – Worked as an engineer specialising in project management, industrial strategy, and consulting, notably for consulting firms and service companies such as Daylight Consulting.
2 June 2009 – Founded Wilson Jeux, a company dedicated to the publishing and distribution of independent board games.
31 May 2012 – Founded Arthème, a holding company (SARL, APE code 6420Z), which became the cornerstone of Julien Vahanian's entrepreneurial activities. Through Arthème, he oversees several businesses, including Variantes (a specialist bookseller) and Wilson Jeux.
2013 – Acquired Puzzle Michèle Wilson, ensuring the continuation of one of France's best-known manufacturers of handcrafted wooden jigsaw puzzles.
Since 2019 – Co-Managing Director of Puzzle Michèle Wilson, alongside Sophie Ollé-Laprune.
Personal interest – An accomplished sport parachutist, specialising in freefly and large formation skydiving ("big-way").

Source: Research conducted by the author.