Atos, a leading IT company, announced the appointment of Philippe Salle as its new chairman, effective immediately, while also naming him as the upcoming CEO, set to take over in February.
Philippe Salle will succeed Jean-Pierre Mustier, the former top banker at UniCredit, who will remain CEO until January 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth and efficient transition as the company continues its restructuring process.
Philippe Salle, who has pledged to personally invest €9 million ($9.80 million) in the company’s turnaround, brings a wealth of experience across various industries, including leadership roles at Total, Accenture, McKinsey, Altran Group, and Emeria.
His extensive background in management and restructuring is expected to play a key role in reviving Atos, which has seen its market value drop by over 90 percent this year amid formal restructuring proceedings. A court hearing regarding the company’s safeguard plan with creditors is scheduled soon.
Philippe Salle’s appointment reflects the company’s strategic efforts to stabilize and reorient its operations during a challenging time for the firm, which was once seen as a leading player in Europe’s software and technology sector.
Philippe Salle began his career with Total in Indonesia in 1988. He then joined Accenture in 1990 where he was promoted to senior consultant.
He joined McKinsey in 1995 and became senior manager in 1998. He joined the Vedior group in 1999 (now Randstad), and became Chairman and CEO of Vedior France in 2002. He became a member of the Executive Board in 2003 and was appointed Head of Southern Europe in 2006.
In 2007, he joined the Geoservices group (sold to Schlumberger in 2010), a technology company in the oil sector and under LBO, first as Deputy CEO and then as Chairman and CEO.
In June 2011, Philippe Salle was appointed Chairman and CEO of Altran Group, an engineering consultancy.
In April 2015, Philippe Salle was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Elior Group (a company listed on Euronext Paris), a world leader in catering and services.
In December 2017, Philippe Salle was appointed CEO of Emeria (a company under LBO), the world’s leading provider of real estate services and technologies.
Philippe Salle has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viridien (formerly CGG) since 26 April 2018, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Banque Transatlantique since 2010.
Philippe Salle is a graduate of the Ecole des Mines de Paris and holds an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University (Chicago, USA). He is a Chevalier de l’ordre national du Merite, Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur and Commandeur de l’ordre du Merite de la Republique italienne.
