Pierre Giacomo joined the BIPM as physicien chercheur principal on 1 November 1966.

He was appointed Deputy Director at the CIPM's meeting in October 1968, and Director Designate at their meeting on 30 September 1976. He took over from Dr Terrien as Director of the BIPM on 1 January 1978.

Terry Quinn joined the BIPM as physicien chercheur principal on 1 September 1977, to take up the position of Deputy Director on 1 January 1978.

He became Director on 1 August 1988, on the retirement of Prof. Giacomo.

He retired on 31 December 2003, and Prof. Wallard took up the post of Director on 1 January 2004.