"I am young, it is true; but to a well-born soul, value does not wait for the number of years," says Rodrigue in Le Cid. It is a maxim that suits perfectly. At only 44 years of age, he heads the powerful Luxembourg business union UEL, but also the national institute for sustainable development and corporate social responsibility INDR. He represents the UEL on various boards of Luxembourg social security bodies, such as the national health fund CNS, the Employers' mutuality MDE, the national pension insurance fund CNAP and the pensions fund FDC.

It was also in his capacity as director of the UEL that he participated in several meetings of the Tripartite Coordination Committee in recent years. Outside the ranks of the employers, the social partners describe him as "a man of his word, constructive, always very well prepared". He is "courteous in all circumstances, very calm", but he can also be a fierce adversary, "because his convictions are hardened and it is extremely difficult to make him bend".

Olinger always knows where he wants to go, with whom, how and why. And this determination helps him to stay on course, no matter what the turmoil around him. As the first defender of the interests of companies, he shows remarkable composure in all circumstances. One explanation might be that he always retains a touch of humour even in desperate situations, as well as a natural optimism.

"His capacity for analysis also allows him to quickly measure the stakes or the interests of a given change of direction. Jean-Paul does not shout loudly, but when, during the debates, he proposes something, everyone keeps quiet and finds, most often, that it is an interesting idea. He is sometimes underestimated, even though he has a formidable intelligence," says a close friend.

An expertise built up over time

He has turned this into an asset. After studying in Switzerland and Germany, Olinger worked at Guardian Industries in the USA before joining KPMG in 2005 as a tax specialist. It didn't take long for his peers to spot his potential. He quickly climbed the ladder within the firm and gained the confidence of his superiors, becoming a partner. His network continues to grow and his expertise is built through work with local companies and multinationals in the financial and commercial sectors.

He leads a group of young professionals from all over the world with great skill and patience and accompanies them in their personal development. He is increasingly in demand as a speaker and participates in numerous working groups within Alfi and the ABBL. A member of the Fédération des jeunes dirigeants d'entreprise since 2012, he became its president in 2016.

This talent has obviously been spotted for a long time in Luxembourg's decision-making circles. It was therefore no great surprise when, in 2018, he became secretary general of the UEL, then headed by Jean-Jacques Rommes and chaired by Michel Wurth. Five months after taking up his post, he was called upon to take over from his director.

His network--which is constantly growing--and his skills are also put to good use by other institutions, such as the Cercle Munster, Luxembourg Air Rescue and the Philharmonie du Luxembourg.

Husband and father of twins, he has just completed an MBA at NYU Stern, the London School of Economics and HEC Paris. His hobbies include skiing, swimming and running. But also aviation, as he holds a private pilot's licence. It is a hobby that requires intelligence, instinct, control and composure: everything he is.

This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.