Since July 2025, Audrey has been the new Director of the Dispensaire Français. With her legendary smile and her no-less-legendary lilting accent, she has agreed to tell us a little more about herself and her role at the Dispensaire.

From her native south-west of France, so dear to her heart, Audrey Guichard has built a career made up of French and international experience, within both small and large organisations, in retail and always for brands close to their customers (Serge Blanco, Ladurée, Petit Bateau...). The common thread running through this rich career? Human contact, the people she meets, management, handling day-to-day matters as well as strategic vision — all underpinned by an undeniable gift for adaptability, a sense of humour, unshakeable optimism and a genuine ability to think outside the box.

It was in 2018, in London and with her family (her husband and their two children), that her dream of living in an English-speaking country came true, ‘because it would take a city able to rival my Toulouse accent!’, but above all for the openness, the energy and the blend of cultures. After Covid and a few roles, including one in fundraising for charities, Audrey came across a job advertisement from the Dispensaire Français. Everything moved very quickly and, in July 2025, she started as Director.

Day to day, no two of Audrey's days are alike. Moving between strategic matters and logistical emergencies, official meetings and social projects, Audrey acts as both conductor and Swiss Army knife, supported by a formidable team, Nathalie and Dylan (whose profiles you will soon discover). Since she arrived — where she immediately felt very warmly welcomed — she has been suggesting improvements and launching and encouraging new initiatives, driven by a very positive and uplifting spirit.

Struck by the scale of the needs – the reality of life for many French speakers here is very different from the image people have of it – Audrey is determined to broaden the Dispensaire's scope. Her goals for 2026-2027? To keep developing its medical and social work, but also to give the Dispensaire greater visibility among as many people as possible: beneficiaries, donors and partners.

☀️ Next month, you will be able to read here the profiles of Nathalie Toprak and Dylan Matar, who work day to day with Audrey Guichard and who together form the three essential pillars of the Dispensaire.

🔎 And from September onwards, we will periodically lift the veil on each of our organisation’s areas, featuring the profile of a volunteer who represents it. You will discover our countless achievements and activities. You may even be tempted to take part or get involved in this wonderful adventure!

While you wait for the next instalment… Save the date!