Government seeks to replace head of Areva

17 June 2011

The French government will "support the candidacy" of Luc Oursel to replace Anne Lauvergeon as chief executive officer (CEO) of nuclear giant Areva, according to a statement issued by the office of the prime minister Francois Fillon. The government said that, as the majority shareholder in Areva, it is seeking to renew the company's management team and supported the appointment of Oursel because of his "industrial experience and knowledge of the nuclear business." The statement said that Oursel's responsibilities will "include implementing a plan to improve the performance of the company to strengthen its competitiveness and continue its development." Lauvergeon has been CEO of Areva since July 2001 and her mandate is due to expire at the end of June. Areva's supervisory board is due to meet soon to either approve her reappointment or to appoint her replacement. Oursel has been a member of Areva’s executive board since 2007 and is currently chief operating officer in charge of International, Marketing and Projects. In a statement, Lauvergeon said she had "taken note" of the government's decision.