Jean, Comte de Beaumont

Jean, Count de Beaumont was educated at the École des Roches and the École Libre des Sciences Politiques, and distinguished himself in French society as a politician, banker and businessman, journalist, novelist and sportsman. In 1923 he reached the finals of the 110 metre hurdles at the World Student Games, and in 1924 he competed in trap shooting at the Paris Olympics. He started his business career as an assistant manager on rubber plantations in Indo-China and following his return to France rose to become President of several companies operating in the Far East and South Africa. Because of his business interests on the African Continent he was the first IOC Member to actively promote Olympism in Africa. Count de Beaumont served as a Member of Parliament from 1936-40, later serving in World War II as a fighter pilot.

Jean, Count de Beaumont was co-opted onto the IOC in May 1951 and served until September 1990, after which he was an Honorary Member. He was also President of the French National Olympic Committee from 1967-71. He served the IOC on the Executive Board from 1968-74 and again from 1976-80. He was 2nd Vice-President from 1970-72 and 1st Vice-President from 1972-74. In the late 1960s he chaired a working group looking at IOC organization and age limits for its members.