It was announced in November that Stephane Richard, the Group’s current chairman and CEO would be replaced following his conviction in a fraud trial for misuse of public funds.
Richard had held that position for 12 years and had left it to the Orange board to decide whether he would remain.
The Orange board had previously taken the decision to separate the roles of chairman and CEO but Richard will remain in his positions until April 4 when Heydemann takes up her role “to ensure the smoothest possible transition”.
Richard said: “I am delighted to welcome Christel Heydemann and wish her full success as CEO of Orange. Working alongside the Group’s employees, I am convinced that her personal and professional qualities will enable her to meet the challenges the future holds for the Group.
“I am certain that her vision, her pragmatism and her ability to bring out the best in every situation will be of enormous value to Orange.
“Finally, I would also like to thank Anne-Gabrielle Heilbronner and Bernard Ramanantsoa for their exemplary and rigorous work throughout the selection process in the best interests of the Group.”
Heydemann currently serves as executive vice president of Schneider Electric’s European operations and a member of the executive committee at the company.
She was recognised for “her experience in the telecoms sector and in managing business transformations” according to a statement released by Orange.
