Orange confirms Heydemann as new CEO

Christel Heydemann

Orange has, as expected, named Christel Heydemann as CEO with effect from April 4.

Orange said that Heydemann, Schneider Electric’s current EVP, Europe operations was recognised for her experience in the telecoms sector and in managing business transformations.

Stéphane Richard will continue as chairman and CEO until Heydemann takes up her role.

Following the Orange board’s decision to separate the roles of chairman and CEO, Richard will also continue in the role of non-executive chairman until a replacement is in post and at the latest until May 19, the date of the company’s AGM.

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. Christel’s involvement as a Board member and her long experience at Alcatel and then Schneider Electric means she has an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the digital future and the critical role this will play in the decades ahead. 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.”

Heydemann said: “I would like to thank the Board members for their confidence. As a member of the board for nearly five years, I have gained a solid understanding of the technological challenges and opportunities that lie before us. I know that these are significant, but it is equally a huge honour to be able to contribute to the development of one of the leading players in our industry and Orange will have my total commitment as we set about this task. I also know I can count, as my predecessor has been able to, on the dedication of all the company’s teams to see Orange through to success.”