Orange is expected to appoint Christel Heydemann as group CEO on 28 January, reports Le Monde quoting unnamed sources. Heydemann currently works at Schneider Electric as executive VP for Europe, as well as serving as one of the seven independent directors on the Orange board. She entered the shortlist to replace Stephane Richard earlier this month, as one of the three potential candidates selected by the Orange committee tasked with finding the telecom group's next CEO. Orange declined to comment on the matter.
The search for a replacement found in Heydemann a unanimous choice after the French government decided to back her in mid-January, according to press reports. Her official appointment should be announced at the next meeting of the Orange board, which was rescheduled from 24 to 28 January to finalise a few details still outstanding, including her starting date.
If confirmed, the move will make Orange the third group listed within the CAC 40 to be led by a woman, after utility suppliers Engie and soon Veolia.
