Combes has over 25 years of telecoms experience and was previously CEO of Alcatel-Lucent, Vodafone Europe and TDF, as well as CFO and senior EVP of France Telecom.
Combes was rumoured to be joining Altice following the takeover of Alcatel-Lucent, by Nokia Networks.
“I am very pleased that Michel, whom I have known for over 20 years, has decided to join us to help structure the group’s operations and to harmonize our best practices throughout our subsidiaries and countries,” said Patrick Drahi, president of Altice.
“He will bring a solid experience both in mobile and fixed operations and is a talented and appreciated manager. The group will continue to attract key talent to help manage our rapid expansion in both Europe and the Americas whilst maintaining our unique entrepreneurial mindset.”
Combes told Les Echos that Numericable-SFR aims to regain market share with simpler subscription offers, a better network as well as new services and content.
"We will continue our investments. However, I do not believe that winning back customers requires lowering prices," said Combes.
