[Portrait of a creative ] – Maxime Derrien

Maxime, Class of P23, is the proud Communications Manager of the Rennes’Ver Back Down Sports Association.

His experience at the School was strongly shaped by student life and community engagement, with intense moments that he still remembers fondly. He completed an academic exchange in Guadalajara, Mexico (TEC de Monterrey), followed by a gap year in Paris.

Driven by a passion for creativity and its power in communication, he began his career at Meanings, a boutique agency, before moving into international strategic marketing at Publicis Conseil. These experiences then opened the door to Twitter France for his gap-year internship — a key milestone in his career. He stayed with the company for more than eight years, mainly based in London, where he expanded his responsibilities and refined his skills within the brand-focused creative team.

Later, in Dublin, shortly after the company’s acquisition by Elon Musk, he took on an even broader scope, with responsibilities requiring increased strategic thinking and leadership.

What is your current activity?

I am currently at Netflix as EMEA Manager for Digital and Creative Strategy, overseeing partnerships between our flagship films and series and some of the world’s leading brands. My role is to put social media at the heart of these partnerships, ensuring that each campaign goes beyond promotion to create genuine moments of conversation with our audience. In an environment where attention is won second by second, this means innovating constantly, understanding fan culture, joining their conversations, and inspiring them to carry our stories far beyond the screen.

What’s your greatest achievement?

In your opinion, what is the value of the network in general? The Alumni network in particular?

Perfecting the art of connection. Not limiting yourself to your immediate circle, but exploring other industries and perspectives that can open doors or spark new ideas.

Tell us about a nice moment / an opportunity we had thanks to the school or the network

My first months at Rennes SB and within the Sports Association: a vibrant period filled with encounters and projects that shaped both my professional and personal life.

Your best encounter at Rennes School of Business?

My closest friends. Bonds formed at school that have only grown stronger through the years and shared experiences.

What advice would you give to a recent graduate?

Stay curious. You never know which meeting or experience will define the next chapter of your journey.

Do you have a hidden passion/talent?

“Captain Courage” on the football pitch… and a trainee commentator for Canal+ during the documentary series Au Micro.

The final word?

Tudum.