Zodiac Aerospace Zodiac Aerospace ( ) is a French corporation that , as of May 2012 , specializes in the production and development of on - board systems , safety systems and cabin interiors . The company is a world leader in aerospace equipment and systems for commercial , regional and business aircraft , as well as helicopter s and space applications . The Zodiac Aerospace Group applies a strategy built on internal and external growth in niche market s that offer a high technology content , generate significant after - sales support business and have the potential to establish the Group as a world leader . The Marine Segment was separated from the Group in September 2007 to become Zodiac Marine & Pool . History ( 1896 - 2008 ) . The entrepreneurial saga of Maurice Mallet ( 1861 – 1926 ) , a famous aeronaut of the late - 19th century , began in Paris , France , on 22 December 1896 . On that day , with two partners , Mallet founded Société Mallet , Mélandri et de Pitray , the predecessor of the Zodiac firm . The new venture specialized in the design and construction of airship s . In 1909 , the company manufactured and introduced the first sporting and tourist balloons . In 1911 , the company changed its name to Zodiac and enjoyed steady growth until 1933 . Zodiac contributed to the war effort by constructing airplanes , working primarily for the Aérostation Maritime ( Naval Balloon Command ) . In 1934 , Zodiac developed the first prototype inflatable boat s , ancestors of what are known in contemporary France as “ Zodiacs ” . In 1953 , the company temporarily discontinued its aeronautical activities , as the 1960s French trend of pleasure and motorboating led Zodiac to take an interest in the civil market . The company made initial moves to set up a sales organization . In 1970 , with the creation of Zodiac Espace as part of a joint project with the CNES ( National Centre for Space Studies ) , the company revived its original core business : the air balloon . In doing so , it consolidated its position on the market for inflatable products . Zodiac avoided bankruptcy due to the recognized quality of its products and a change of management . The new chief executive officer , Jean - Louis Gerondeau , appointed in late 1973 by chairman Didier Domange , implemented a drastic plan of recovery . With the support of shareholders and the assistance of the IDI ( Institut pour le Développement Industriel ) , Zodiac held fast . In 1977 , after three years of adjustment and recovery , a major contract provided the crucial break the company needed . Zodiac made a fresh start , although a concern for economy has been a key feature of corporate culture ever since . In 1978 , the purchase of Aérazur and EFA led to the creation of an “ Aeronautics branch ” . Meanwhile , Zodiac implemented a policy of globalization and diversification through its subsidiaries . The purchase of Air Cruisers in 1987 marked a new stage in this development . For Zodiac , this first major international diversification — strengthened by the purchase of Pioneer ( 1988 ) , Weber Aircraft LLC ( 1992 ) , Sicma Aero Seat , C & D Aerospace ( 2005 ) and Contour Aerospace ( 2011 ) — heralded the start of a new entrepreneurial adventure . In the years that followed , the Zodiac Group achieved dominance in previously - untapped markets , often consisting of specialized niche s . These , however , are sensitive to consumption swings and currency fluctuations . Zodiac ' s strategy of regular acquisitions and its concern to maintain a consistent industry focus led it to refocus on aeronautics , its core segment . The marine segment was acquired by Carlyle , a private equity firm with whom the Group jointly acquired the US company Waterpick the previous year . The same year , after 34 years with running the group , Jean - Louis Gerondeau transmitted the Presidency of the Board of Directors to Olivier Zarrouati , CEO of the group ’ s aerospace business . In 2008 , Zodiac pursued its strategy of external growth , acquiring three companies that specialized in cabin interiors : Driessen , TIA and Adder . In early 2009 , highlighting the refocus move initiated in 2007 , the Group ’ s shareholders ’ meeting voted to approve the new name , " Zodiac Aerospace " . Six Business Segments . Both the organization and the management of Zodiac Aerospace are structured into six businesses : Aircraft Systems , Cabin and Structures , Galleys and Equipment , Seats , Aersafety , and Services . Governance . Zodiac Aerospace is a Joint Stock Corporation managed by a Board of Directors and a Supervisory Board incorporated in France . The Board of Directors is led by chairman Mr . Olivier Zarrouati , and its Executive Committee is composed of nine members for fiscal year 2012 / 2013 . The Supervisory Board is chaired by Mr . Didier Domange . Executive Committee ( fiscal year 2012 / 2013 ) : Key figures . Consolidated key figures . ( 1 ) Average number of permanent employees on the payroll during the fiscal year . ( 2 ) Ex . neutralization of treasury stock . Other Financial Indicators . ( 3 ) Net equity at beginning of year after incorporation of exchange rate fluctuations , capital increases and premiums for the fiscal year .