Aschenbroich (pictured) becomes a director of the group immediately and then chairman of the board from 19 May, working alongside Christel Heydemann, who becomes CEO on Monday, 4 April.
The duo replace Stéphane Richard, who left following his conviction in a fraud trial for misuse of public funds. The board of Orange decided to separate out the role of chairman and CEO.
Richard, though, was still around to comment: “I wish every success to the tandem formed by Christel Heydemann and Jacques Aschenbroich which will be proposed to shareholders at the next AGM.”
Shareholders will consider Aschenbroich’s appointment on 19 May, but are unlikely to reject him.
At the same time the board asked Ramon Fernandez to stay on as deputy CEO – and effectively CFO, as executive director for finance, performance and development. He also chairs Orange Bank.
His current mandate ends on 4 April, but Heydemann asked the board to retain him.
The board appointed a new member, Valerie Beaulieu-James, who is chief sales and marketing officer and executive committee member of the Adecco Group. She will succeed Helle Kristoffersen, who is head of strategy and innovation at the Total group.
Richard said the new chairman and CEO of Orange brought “two experiences and two sources of energy serving the responsible development of this magnificent group that I am happy to have served with passion these past 12 years”.
The original report that Aschenbroich would chair Orange was in Le Monde.
