Guillaume Tozer, Cultural Engineer of the Charlois Group, as told by Stéphane Ebel

Passing Through Murlin

Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways… Luck needs a little push, or as the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” These three adages perfectly summarize Guillaume Tozer’s arrival—38 years old—at the Charlois Group three years ago, during a period of unemployment and a chance trip through Murlin.

« Why don’t you apply? Your profile might interest the group you never know. ». This phrase came from Guillaume’s wife, as the couple and their three children, living in Paris, passed through Murlin for the umpteenth time in 15 years on their way to the family home in Lurcy-le-Bourg. That’s what I did—I sent a CV and a cover letter in July 2016. Sylvain Charlois responded very quickly, saying he was looking for someone with my profile for various projects, and he invited me for an interview in September. By January 2017, I had joined the group.
In the right place, at the right time! As Guillaume modestly puts it, “I saw the light, knocked on the door, and they opened it for me!».

An Archaeologist’s Background.

An archaeologist by training, with a postgraduate degree (DESS) in Cultural Heritage Management, Guillaume has traveled from Guatemala to Cambodia, moving from one excavation site to another. He eventually became the head of “Off-Site” exhibitions for the private museum Des Lettres et Manuscrits in Paris’s 7th arrondissement.

Within the Charlois Group, Guillaume stands out as a bit of an outlier. His title, Cultural Engineer, reflects his unique role—and upon closer inspection, it’s easy to see why.« Engineering: It is the set of studies that guide the design and implementation of an industrial project.», Replace “industrial” with “cultural,” and you’ll understand. “In its development philosophy,” explains Guillaume, “the group wanted to integrate a cultural and historical dimension—to understand, explain, and establish its credibility, with oak as the guiding thread.”
For the past three years, Guillaume has been searching and digging—not in excavation sites with trowels and gloves, but in archives, with pens and screens—unearthing historical elements about stave-making, the forest, and the Charlois family. His research has made him the most knowledgeable person on the history of the Charlois family.
The group manufactures oak shingles. Among the Charlois ancestors, there were roofers. It might seem anecdotal, but it’s a significant historical fact when you realize that, decades later, the group would begin producing… oak shingles.”

Culture as a Bridge.

Guillaume’s mission is to develop support for cultural initiatives. Several projects have already been realized, with others currently underway. These include a book (Le Chêne en Majesté), to which he contributed, and the film Demain prend racine aujourd’hui (Tomorrow Takes Root Today), co-produced with the ONF (French National Forest Office).
On a daily basis, his work within the communications department involves writing numerous articles based on his research, which are published on the group’s various websites and social media platforms. His contributions aim to leave a lasting mark and solidify the group’s image both nationally and internationally—an image deeply rooted in the Nivernais terroir, centered around Murlin and the Bertranges Forest.
It is Guillaume’s responsibility to promote and highlight the centuries-old expertise of the group, ensuring its cultural and historical legacy endures.

Murlin at the Heart!

One of the unique aspects of the Groupe Charlois is its commitment to keeping the heart of the organization in its historic birthplace: Murlin. “The entire activity of the group—administration, communication, in addition tos staves production and oak barrels, is coordinated from Murlin, right next to the forest.” Guillaume has also settled in Murlin, a decision that reflects both professional and personal choices. His wife and children, however, remain in the Paris region, near Fontainebleau. For Guillaume, the opportunity is well worth the sacrifice.

The former head of “Hors-les-murs” exhibitions in Paris has found in Murlin not only professional fulfillment but also personal growth. His responsibilities are numerous and highly motivating. From establishing an exhibition space dedicated to cultural heritage and contemporary art, to showcasing and acquiring artworks for the Groupe Charlois (including monumental pieces to be installed in the heart of the village), and highlighting exceptional local craftsmanship and artisanal expertise, his schedule is packed.

“The Murlin site is set to evolve and diversify, always with a focus on the forest, oak, and the trades of tonnellerie, merranderie, and all aspects of wine from a cultural and historical perspective. This should bring a fresh dynamic to the Bertranges region.”

This ongoing evolution further cements the reputation of a group that continues to grow, as Guillaume and his family have witnessed over the years. “Every time we passed through the village of Murlin, there was something new. We saw the group expand without really knowing what it was all about, let alone imagining that I would one day work there. Now I’m here, and I’m proud to contribute to its growth and influence, both nationally and internationally.

Photo © Christophe Deschanel