Total elects new Chairman of the Board

At its meeting on 16 December 2015, Total’s Board of Directors elected Patrick Pouyanné, Chief Executive Officer of Total since 22 October 2014 and Director since 29 May 2015, Chairman of the Board of Directors. As announced on 22 October 2014, Pouyanné therefore becomes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Total, following the Board’s decision to recombine the two roles.

He succeeds Thierry Desmarest, whose term as Chairman of the Board of Directors expires on 18 December 2015, in line with the age limits specified in the Group’s bylaws. Thierry Desmarest, Honorary Chairman, will remain as a director until the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 24 May 2016.

In addition, upon the recommendation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors has decided to create the position of Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director will in particular oversee the efficient running of the company’s governance structure, will chair the Governance and Ethics Committee and will be a key contact for shareholders on issues related to the Board of Directors’ responsibilities.

Patricia Barbizet, an Independent Director since 2008, has been appointed by the Board of Directors as Lead Independent Director. In this capacity, she will chair the Governance and Ethics Committee. She will also be a member of the Compensation Committee.

In addition, as part of this revised governance structure:

• Marie-Christine Coisne-Roquette, Independent Director since 2011, will chair the Audit Committee.
• Gérard Lamarche, Independent Director since 2012, will chair the Compensation Committee.

These appointments will take effect on 19 December 2015.Following the Board of Directors meeting, Desmarest said, "The Group is in good hands. Patrick Pouyanné will provide the leadership required in an environment demanding discipline and innovation. I know that he will drive Total with determination on the path to sustainable growth."

Upon his election as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pouyanné stated, "On behalf of all directors, all of Total’s staff and personally, I would like to express our deepest respect and gratitude to Thierry Desmarest for his unwavering commitment and service to Total. I have found his support and advice invaluable in ensuring the transition of the Group’s management, the Board and its committees. Today’s decisions are fully aligned with the company’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of governance."

As of 19 December 2015, the members of Total’s Board of Directors are:

• Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman.
• Thierry Desmarest, Honorary Chairman.
• Patrick Artus.
• Patricia Barbizet, Lead Independent Director.
• Marc Blanc.
• Gunnar Brock.
• Marie-Christine Coisne-Roquette.
• Paul Desmarais Jr.
• Anne-Marie Idrac.
• Charles Keller.
• Barbara Kux.
• Gérard Lamarche.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/17122015/total-elects-new-chairman-of-the-board-1991/