Atos has appointed two Deputy CEOs as the Group studies a possible separation into two publicly-listed companies. As announced today, the Company’s Board of Directors has decided, following preliminary strategic review work carried out under the leadership of Belmer, to study a project for the separation of Atos’ legacy activities (Tech Foundations), on the one hand, and its Big Data and Cybersecurity (BDS) and Digital activities, on the other hand, through two companies independent listed separately.
This strategy would unlock the value of the two distinct markets that the Group operates in, both with fundamentally different dynamics, and is essential to its ambitious transformation plan.
Nourdine Bihmane is appointed Deputy CEO in charge of Tech Foundations, a leading business in managed infrastructure services, digital workplace and professional services. With over 20 years of proven tech expertise, driving change management, growth and P&L performance, Nourdine will be responsible for delivering quality, innovation and competitiveness for TFCo (Atos).
Philippe Oliva is appointed Deputy CEO in charge of the Digital/BDS perimeter (to form the newly named SpinCo (Evidian)), a leading business in the digital transformation, big data and cybersecurity markets, delivering high growth and high margins. Philippe joined Atos in April this year as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing a strong international experience in the digital sector, from almost 20 years at IBM where he managed Integrated technologies, Cloud services and Hybrid Services.
The appointment of these two seasoned, globally recognized industry veterans as Deputy CEOs will be instrumental for the success of Atos’ envisioned transformation.
Rodolphe Belmer, Chief Executive Officer of Atos, comments: “I am thrilled to welcome Nourdine and Philippe as Deputy CEOs of the Group. Both are highly recognized seasoned industry senior executives capitalizing on a large international exposure and with a proven track record in their respective fields. I know we can rely on their strategic acumen, proven leadership and operational efficiency that will be instrumental as Atos embarks on a transformation journey and intends to open the next chapter in its outstanding history. Together, we are committed to the success of the Atos turnaround plan that will be presented at our Capital Markets Day and we know that we can count on the highly talented Atos community to tackle these challenges together. I am confident that Philippe and Nourdine will succeed the possible separation of the Group into two publicly-listed companies when my strategic mission of putting this project on track will be accomplished, at the latest on September 30th.”
Furthermore, this contemplated separation leads to a reorganization of the Atos group resulting in a significant reduction in the scope of the functions and a redefinition of the mission of the Atos Chief Executive Officer.
Taking note of this evolution, Belmer considered that he had no choice but to resign from his positions as Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and the Company’s Board of Directors has acknowledged this.
Belmer’s resignation will take effect on September 30, 2022, at the latest, so as to allow time to ensure the orderly transition of the Group’s governance with the two newly appointed Deputy CEOs, Nourdine Bihmane and Philippe Oliva.
The information relating to the financial conditions of the termination of Belmer’s functions will be made public in accordance with the applicable regulations and the recommendations of the Afep-Medef corporate governance code to which Atos refers. In particular, they are the subject of a related-party agreement that will be presented for approval at the next Atos Shareholders’ Meeting.
Bertrand Meunier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atos, stated: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Rodolphe Belmer for his contribution and commitment to Atos. Since he joined the company, Rodolphe has been able, in record time, to propose strategic options, successfully reorganize the governance of the Group and lead Atos on the path of a major potential transformation in the interest of all stakeholders. The new general management that will be announced at the end of the transition period will be in charge of continuing the implementation of the strategic project that the Board of Directors has decided to study”.
