Jean-Bernard Lévy appointed CEO of Thales

Vigneron, chairman and CEO of Thales, tendered his resignation during a meeting of the board of directors today, having acknowledged the absence of support of the Group's two main shareholders, and his resignation was accepted. The board thanked Vigneron for the work he has accomplished for Thales since his appointment, particularly the upturn in profitability and the improvement in the way it manages its contracts.

At this same meeting, the board of directors co-opted Jean-Bernard Lévy (pictured below) as a director and subsequently elected him to the position of chairman and chief executive officer of Thales. Thales's two main shareholders, the French State and the Dassault Aviation, welcomed this appointment and promised to work in agreement with senior management to pursue the continued recovery of the Group and its future development.

Jean-Bernard Lévy joins Thales from Vivendi, where he held the position of CEO and then chairman of its management board.

Lévy said: "I am very proud to be appointed to lead Thales. I have been aware for many years of the passion and the high-level expertise of the men and women who contribute to the Group's numerous successes in many countries around the world. In the global marketplace, Thales has all the strengths needed to play a leading role. I know I can count on the energy and commitment of all to meet the challenges ahead and work together to develop our Group."