Arnaud Lagardère assumes leadership of group following court ruling in his favor

Following a court decision in his favor, Arnaud Lagardère has returned as the CEO of the Lagardère group two months after being forced to step down. The group announced that the ban on his management had been partially lifted, allowing him to once again manage Lagardère SA. The board of directors unanimously designated him as CEO, and he is also expected to be reinstalled as CEO of Hachette Livre.

Arnaud Lagardère had relinquished his executive mandates in April after being indicted in investigations into the financing of personal expenses by his companies. His lawyers appealed the decision, which led to the court ruling in his favor. While his indictment remains effective elsewhere, he is now able to manage the Lagardère group.

In a press release, Arnaud Lagardère expressed gratitude towards the group’s directors and shareholders for their trust and support, particularly acknowledging the Bolloré family. During his absence, the interim was managed by Jean-Christophe Thiery, chairman of the supervisory board of the Canal + Group.

Arnaud Lagardère was indicted following a judicial investigation opened by the national financial prosecutor’s office. He is suspected of financing his lifestyle with funds from his companies between 2009 and 2022. Despite the legal challenges he faced, Lagardère has now returned to his role as CEO of the Lagardère group.