Jean-Marc Halbout is a seasoned executive with a distinguished career spanning over four decades, characterized by an exceptional ability to lead transformative initiatives and deliver sustainable growth in complex business environments. Known for his expertise in business process optimization, leadership, and strategic turnaround efforts, Halbout has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and employee engagement. His leadership style is rooted in servant leadership and combines a deep focus on customer service with a results-driven approach, making him a pivotal figure in both regional and national leadership roles. He is also passionate about the personal growth and development of his team members.

Currently serving as President and General Manager for Quest Diagnostics’ West Region since 2021, Halbout oversees a dynamic team of over 5,000 employees across seven states. Under his leadership, the West Region has achieved continuous revenue growth, surpassing $1.5 billion annually, alongside consistent margin expansion. His strategic focus on operational excellence and fostering a culture of engagement has been instrumental in driving the region’s success post-pandemic.

Previously, Halbout served as Senior Vice President, Commercial at Quest Diagnostics from 2019 to 2021, where he spearheaded the national commercial team during the challenging pandemic years. He successfully revitalized operations to pre-pandemic levels, maintaining robust growth and stability. Prior to this, as Vice President, Commercial for the West Region from 2012 to 2019, Halbout managed a P&L exceeding $1 billion, consistently delivering profitable growth through innovative sales strategies, contract management, business development, and M&A initiatives.

From 2006 to 2012, as Vice President, Regional Operations, Halbout was accountable for the operations and profitability of the Western U.S., overseeing a P&L of $2.4 billion. His efforts led to significant growth and operational efficiencies during this period. Earlier in his tenure at Quest Diagnostics, he held pivotal roles such as Chief Information Officer and Vice President, Information Technology (2002-2006), where he managed a global IT organization of 1,400 employees with a $250 million budget, driving the company’s technological advancements in a rapidly evolving industry.

Before joining Quest Diagnostics, Halbout held leadership positions at IBM Global Services, where he managed high-value accounts like JP Morgan and Lucent Technologies, delivering e-business and infrastructure services with multi-million-dollar annual revenues. His career at IBM started at IBM Research where it included technical and managerial roles in very high speed measurements, high-performance computing, scalable systems, and storage solutions for the scientific market.

A strong proponent of lifelong learning and innovation, Halbout holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering & Physics from Cornell University and an “Ingenieur” degree from the Institut Supérieur d’Électronique de Paris. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous accolades, including IBM’s Outstanding Technical Achievement Awards and multiple patents. A prolific author, he has co-authored over 65 refereed publications and presented at more than 150 industry conferences.

Fluent in French and conversant in German and Russian, Halbout brings a global perspective to his leadership. His expertise, combined with a passion for driving change and continuous improvement, positions him as a transformative leader adept at navigating the complexities of today’s business environment while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Character
Jean-Marc Halbout exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a commitment to fostering inclusive, high-performing teams that thrive in challenging environments.

Knowledge
With deep expertise in technology, operations, and business transformation, Halbout combines technical acumen with strategic insight to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Strategic
Halbout’s forward-thinking leadership consistently delivers results through data-driven decision-making, precise P&L management, and a clear vision for long-term organizational success.

Communication
A skilled communicator, Halbout effectively engages stakeholders at all levels, aligning teams around common goals and building trust through transparency and collaboration.