27.10.2014 • News

Desmarest and Pouyanné to Lead Total for Now

Thierry Desmarest, former CEO of Total, has been named chairman of the company's board and Patrick Pouyanné as chief executive officer.

Following the death of chairman and CEO Christophe de Margerie in an aviation accident in Russia last week, the company is splitting the two top jobs for an interim period.

At the end of 2015, when Desmarest, now 68, reaches the mandatory retirement age and steps down, the positions are to be merged again. Pouyanné is then expected to assume both functions.

Desmarest, who was CEO from 1995 to 2007, served as chairman from 2007 to 2010, is credited with engineering Total's acquisition of Belgium's Petrofina in 1999 and the subsequent hostile takeover of Elf Aquitaine.

Expert Insights

ADCs for Precision Cancer Therapy
Comprehensive Insights into Antibody–Drug Conjugates

ADCs for Precision Cancer Therapy

Explore how antibody-drug conjugates are reshaping precision cancer therapy and discover what it takes to successfully develop, manufacture, and scale these complex biologics.

Special Issue

Circular Plastics Economy
Explore the Future of Plastics

Circular Plastics Economy

This special CHEManager issue explores the industry’s pivotal shift towards a more sustainable, circular plastics value chain. Readers will find expert analysis and real-world solutions for today’s most pressing recycling and regulatory challenges.

most read

Photo

VCI Welcomes US-EU Customs Deal

The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) welcomes the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and US President Donald Trump have averted the danger of a trade war for the time being.