Atos taps ex-Accenture CEO to lead planned split

He is set to lead separation and then become CEO of Eviden Group, once formed

Atos has appointed Yves Bernaert, the former CEO of Accenture, as its new chief exec to see through the company's internal operational separation into two separate entities.

His first mission will be to successfully complete the next stages of Atos' transformation plan and to accelerate the turnaround of its activities.

If and when the separation is finalised by the board, he would then be exclusively responsible for leading the development of the new Eviden group.

Alongside Paul Saleh, the reseller's CFO, Bernaert will also handle the ongoing exclusive negotiations with EPEI

The negotiations will be supervised by the board of directors with a view to submit the proposed transaction and the contemplated capital increases to the shareholders' meeting.

The French reseller giant entered negotiations to sell its Tech Foundations (TFCo) business to EP Equity Investment (EPEI) in August.

The acquisition would result in the effective separation of Atos' Eviden (formerly Evidian) and TFCo and the strengthening of the Group's capital structure.

Bertrand Meunier, chairman of Atos' board of directors, said: "On behalf of the entire board, I am very pleased to welcome Yves Bernaert as CEO of Atos.

"His personal and professional strengths, ability to lead teams through major transformations, in-depth knowledge of our industry and belief in the critical role our sector plays in meeting the national and European digital sovereignty objectives, make him the ideal leader.

"The Board would like to thank Nourdine Bihmane, Philippe Oliva and Diane Galbe, who have to date, carried out the group's operational performance improvement plan and its strategic transformation project."

About his appointment Bernaert commented: "I am delighted to be joining the Atos Group.

"After more than 30 years in the technology sector, I am well aware that Atos possesses strong assets, and I have great respect for the world-renowned skills of its teams.

"Atos has considerable technological capabilities and holds strong positions in many strategic areas.

"This is why, with the support of the board of directors and the ongoing dedication of the group's talented employees, I am confident that we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and successfully deliver the ongoing transformation."

Early this month, Atos sold its unified comms business, Unify, to Mitel.