MILWAUKEE, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) today announced the promotion of Bertrand Denis, 59, to the position of managing director of Manpower France and its nine subsidiary operations, reporting directly to Jeffrey A. Joerres, president and CEO of Manpower Inc.

Denis replaces Michael Grunelius, who is retiring from his executive duties. He will assume a new role as non-executive chairman of Manpower France.

Denis began his career at Manpower France in 1971 as marketing manager and has been promoted many times to his most recent role as deputy general director, where he worked directly with Grunelius in overall management of Manpower France and its subsidiaries.

"With 30 years of experience in a variety of important roles at Manpower France, Bertrand Denis was an easy choice to follow in the footsteps of Michael Grunelius. I feel very confident that his leadership will be a tremendous asset to our French operations, and to our global management team," said Joerres.

Denis holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Paris, as well as a Ph.D. in Public Law and Political Sociology.

Grunelius established Manpower France in 1957 and has grown the operations to become Manpower's largest market, with sales of $3.9 billion in 2000 and a network of 927 offices. Since 1960, Grunelius has actively participated in the temporary help employers' federation to promote flexible employment in France. He has also been actively involved with governmental entities and trade unions to organize and normalize the industry. In 1996, Grunelius received the Legion d'Honneur award.

"We have been very fortunate to benefit from the leadership of Michael Grunelius for 44 years," said Joerres. "The success of Manpower France can be attributed to his entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to the business and knowledge of the industry. Over the past four decades, his leadership has made it possible for millions of people in France to find jobs."

Manpower Inc. is a world leader in the staffing industry, providing workforce management services and solutions to customers through 3,700 offices in 59 countries. The firm annually provides employment to more than 2.7 million people worldwide and is an industry leader in employee assessment and training. Manpower also offers organizational performance consulting services worldwide through its independent operating division, The Empower Group. More information on Manpower Inc. can be found at the company's website, http://www.manpower.com . More information can also be found about The Empower Group at its website, http://www.empowergrp.com SOURCE Manpower Inc.

CONTACT: Tracy Shilobrit of Manpower Inc., 414-906-6088, [email protected]