Proximus names former Canal+ exec Boutin as CEO

Guillaume Boutin

Belgian telco Proximus has named Guillaume Boutin as its new CEO with a six-year contract. Boutin joined Proximus as chief consumer market officer in 2017. He replaces Sandrine Dufour, who took over as interim CEO after the previous holder of the post, Dominique Leroy, was forced to leave earlier than planned under the shadow of a probe into the sale of shares before her planned move to KPN was made public. 

Boutin, 45, previously worked for Canal+ as chief marketing officer and has also held senior positions at SFR, including chief financial officer and chief marketing officer. 

As chief consumer market officer at Proximus, he oversaw the improved commercial performance of the Proximus and Scarlet brands, the creation of the Pickx platform and Proximus’ positioning as a major player in Belgiums’ gaming scene.

Boutin’s appointment came after Dufour informed the board that she had decided not to apply for the position of CEO. She will resume her role as a member of the group’s executive committee and chief financial officer. 

Proximus chairman Stefaan De Clerck said that was “very satisfied with the appointment of Guillaume Boutin as new CEO at a decisive moment for the company” and praised his “strong mix of strategic, financial and marketing experiences in the telecom and the media sector”.

Boutin said: “I am particularly proud to take on the role of CEO of Proximus and I would like to thank the Board of Directors for the confidence they have placed in me. Proximus is a unique company. I know the exceptional talent and professionalism of its teams, the strength of its brands and the excellence of its networks and customer service. Proximus’ strength is to be a technological leader, but above all to have the customer at the heart of its strategy. Together with the Executive Committee and all the teams, we will build on these key assets to further strengthen Proximus’ position as a leading operator in Belgium and Luxembourg. I will devote all my energy to making Proximus the reference operator in Europe in the interests of our customers, our employees, the world surrounding us and our shareholders. I have full confidence in the future.”