PARIS: Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, has announced a major reshuffle of its top management and board. Paul Saleh, the former Group CFO, has been named the new CEO, replacing Yves Bernaert who stepped down after leading a period of transformation.
Jacques-François de Prest, a veteran of the telecom industry, has been hired as the new Group CFO. Both appointments are effective immediately.
The company also welcomed two new directors to its board: Sujatha “Suja” Chandrasekaran, a digital and technology expert, and Monika Maurer, a seasoned leader in large-scale transformation projects. The board said it was reviewing further appointments to strengthen its governance during this transition.
Saleh, who has a long track record of turning around IT companies, will focus on refinancing the group’s debts and negotiating the sale of its Tech Foundations and Big Data & security businesses to EPEI and Airbus respectively. He will work closely with Carlo d’Asaro Biondo, the Group General Manager, who oversees the business operations and commercial development.
Jean Pierre Mustier, Chairman of Atos’s Board of Directors, said: “Paul is a seasoned senior executive, with extensive experience in corporate finance, corporate turnarounds and restructuring – including within the technology industry. He is the right person to lead Atos during this period of transformation as we take decisive and disciplined action to secure the long-term sustainability of our business to the benefit of our 105,000 employees, our clients and our investors. I’m also pleased to welcome Jacques-François de Prest as Group CFO, as well as Sujatha Chandrasekaran and Monika Maurer, two highly experienced board members.”
Paul Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of Atos, said: “During my time as CFO of Atos Group, I have gained deep insight into the company and have a clear understanding of what actions need to be taken to secure a successful and sustainable future for the Group. I look forward to working with the board, Carlo d’Asaro Biondo and the management team to implement these measures in the interest of all stakeholders.”
Yves Bernaert, outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Atos added “I am very proud and grateful to have been able to work with all team members of Atos. I joined the business to run its transformation and development. Based on my conviction and with the support of the board I also worked on adjusting the strategy for the benefit of the company, its employees and shareholders. Due to a difference of opinion on the governance to adjust and execute the strategy, I decided to leave the company. I would like to thank everyone at Atos for their hard work during my time at the business and I wish Atos and all the teams all the best for the future.”
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