It comes after previous director Michael Ellis announced in June he would be stepping down to join Dubai’s luxury Jumeirah hotel group.
Michelin has looked internally to his replacement. Poullennec joined the company 15 years ago after leaving the ESSEC Business School in France.
The 38-year-old has spent the last 12 years expanding the guide’s international reach, launching the red book in cities including New York, San Francisco, Tokyo and most recently Bangkok and Taipei.
He will now manage all 32 editions of the guide and report directly to Pascal Couasnon, director of gastronomic and tourist activities in the Michelin Group.
“[Poullennec] is already fully integrated within the teams of the Michelin guide,” says Michelin in an announcement.
“In his new role he will continue to embody the values of generosity, passion and independence, which are dear to the Michelin Group, and lead the global team of Michelin inspectors.”
The new stars for Great Britain and Ireland 2019 will be revealed at a live event on 1 October.