Today, we celebrate someone who redefines mainframe modernization by leading with vision, building with purpose, and inspiring pride in the platform.
Gatien Dupre
Chief Product & Technical Officer, Virtel
Villecresnes, France
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View the entire 2025 Influential Mainframers group here.
Gatien Dupré has built a career at the intersection of innovation and tradition—spearheading DevOps transformation, reimagining COBOL community engagement, and helping define what’s next for the Z ecosystem.
His journey began at Société Générale, where he led a pioneering ZDevOps initiative that introduced Git-based SCM and virtualized Z environments—earning internal recognition for advancing mainframe development workflows. Gatien later joined IBM, where he contributed to foundational DevOps tools like Dependency Based Build (DBB) and Rational Team Concert (RTC), and invented Wazi Deploy, a continuous deployment solution tailored for Z systems that continues to influence DevOps adoption today.
In 2025, Gatien became Chief Product & Technical Officer at Virtel, where he now leads the strategic evolution of the VIRTEL product line—ensuring innovation, performance, and alignment with industry needs. He also serves as President of the COBOL Guide Share France group, organizing multiple annual events to foster education, visibility, and collaboration across the European mainframe community.
A 2025 IBM Champion, Gatien is also a thoughtful communicator. His articles on Planet Mainframe, including “Who Is Afraid of the AI Big Bad Wolf?” and “If a Bear Were an AI,” blend technical insight with accessible storytelling—encouraging mainframers to stay curious, stay proud, and stay open to change.
With over two decades of experience, Gatien continues to bridge business and development priorities, mentor rising professionals, and advocate for inclusive modernization throughout the Z landscape.
Planet Mainframe is proud to recognize Gatien Dupré as one of our 2025 Influential Mainframers—for the second year in a row. recognize Gatien Dupré as a returning Influential Mainframer.
Influential Mainframer
Mainframe technology continues to evolve because of the dedicated professionals, educators, mentors, and innovators who drive it forward. We’re shining a spotlight on the individuals who are making waves—whether they’re advancing technology, mentoring new talent, sharing knowledge, championing modernization, or quietly keeping mission-critical systems running every day. These are the people shaping the future of mainframe. They come from all backgrounds and experience levels, but they all have one thing in common: they’re making a difference.
Check back daily as we reveal a new honoree. Read their stories, celebrate their impact, and be inspired.
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hihihi ! this guy is not me !
Gatien Dupre