The board of Arianespace has partially bowed to pressure from the French Government and space agency CNES to appoint as its new supremo Jean-Marie Luton, director-general of the European Space Agency.
The company's own choice would have been its chief executive, Francis Avanzi (Flight International, 9-15 April). Charles Bigot, the current chairman, is due to retire in July.
Luton will, however, only become chairman of holding company Arianespace Participation, to define long-term strategy. Avanzi will continue to head the operating division - the first time that the duties have been divided - provided that he has full operating responsibility. If he does not get the authority he wants, Avanzi says that he will leave.
The Arianespace board says that Avanzi is "perfectly adapted to this mission". He was appointed in 1994 and had been groomed by Bigot to replace him until the Government and CNES, which has a 33% shareholding in the commercial-launcher company, created a political storm by protesting against Avanzi's promotion.
Source: Flight International