French energy company Engie is on the hunt for a new chief executive after parting ways with former chief Isabelle Kocher (pictured).
The company board on Thursday decided not to renew Kocher’s tenure and said new leadership was required to further the development of the group’s strategy in renewable energy.
“On behalf of the board of directors and group employees, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Isabelle Kocher for her contribution to Engie over the last twenty years,” said chairman of the board Jean-Pierre Clamadieu.
“As chief executive officer since 2016, she led the group on a path of far-reaching transformation and in particular through the withdrawal from hydrocarbon exploration and production activities and coal-fired electricity production”.
Kocher’s tenure as chief executive was due to run until May, but general secretary Claire Waysand has been appointed interim chief executive officer as the company begins its search for a new boss.
Engie said it is looking to take another step forward in its transformation and to deepen the strategy it has already launched to make it a leader in the energy and climate transition.
The board said it wants the new leader to help clarify its strategic options and boost its business model in renewable energies and client solutions.
“Just as Engie wants to establish itself as a leading force in the energy transition, this essential enhancement will allow the Group to clarify and strengthen its position relative to its different stakeholders, employees, clients, and shareholders,” Clamadieu said.
The group will present its full year results on 27 February.