New year, new CEO: Atos announces sixth chief exec in six years

CEO musical chairs continues at Atos as firm appoints group CFO Paul Saleh to top job

New year, new CEO: Atos announces sixth chief exec in six years

Atos has appointed Paul Saleh as its sixth chief executive in six years after "an intense period of transformation" under outgoing CEO Yves Bernaert.

Paul Saleh's appointment will be effective as of today and will be replaced as the group's CFO by Jacques-François de Prest who will join Atos January 29.

Bernaert announced he was leaving "due to a difference of opinion on the governance to adjust and execute the strategy".

Atos also announced the appointments of Sujatha Chandrasekaran and Monika Maurer to the board of directors.

It also said that further director appointments are currently under review, to continue reinforcing the board of directors during this transformation period.

In October 2023, the company lost its chairman Bertrand Meunier, who stepped down just days after Atos appointed a new CEO.

Atos entered talks for a split and private equity takeover during the summer that would see its Tech Foundations business being acquired by EP Equity Investment - these discussions are still on-going and continue to progress, the firm claimed.

Most recently, Atos revealed it had received an offer of €1.5bn to €1.8bn from Airbus for its big data & security (BDS) business, bumping shares slightly. The company also said it would open a due diligence phase with Airbus.

The new Atos leadership team

Saleh will primarily focus on refinancing the group's financial debts and ongoing or coming negotiations concerning, in particular, the sale of its Tech Foundations business to EPEI and its Big Data & security (BDS) activities to Airbus.

Atos said he will work with Carlo d'Asaro Biondo, group general manager, who is in charge of business operations, commercial development, partnerships, product and business delivery efficiency.

Saleh is a seasoned leader within the IT services industry. Most recently, he was CEO of Gainwell Technologies and has held many executive leadership positions during his distinguished career, including as CFO at CSC/DXC, as CFO and interim CEO at Sprint Nextel Corporation, as well as senior leadership roles at Walt Disney Company.

He has been group CFO at Atos since August 2023.

Jacques-François de Prest joins Atos from Mobivia, where he was CFO and performance leader.

Jean-Pierre Mustier, chairman of Atos's board of directors, commented: "Saleh 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."

Newly appointed CEO Saleh added: "During my time as CFO of Atos, 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."

Outgoing CEO Yves Bernaert, said: "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."