Stéphane Richard of Orange wants a 4th term as CEO – JDD

PARIS, Sept. 11 (Reuters) – Stéphane Richard, of Orange, has said he wants a fourth term as chief executive of France’s largest telecommunications operator after his term ends next May, he said on Saturday in an interview with Journal du Dimanche (JDD). .

Speaking to the JDD, he said recent changes in the governance of large French companies had led to the separation of the functions of chairman of the board and chief executive, opening the door to dual management.

“It will of course be up to Orange shareholders to decide when the time comes,” he said, adding that he would like to stay in his position.

“It is my wish because I am very attached to this company.”

Richard came under political pressure earlier this year after a network outage at the 23% government-owned company prevented emergency calls for several hours.

A French court will also rule in October on his alleged involvement in disputed compensation paid by the state in 2008.

Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Daniel Wallis

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