Michel Combes

Under Michel Combes's chairmanship, SFR prepared to reduce its workforce by approximately 5 000 jobs, nearly a third of its employees, with implementation scheduled after the expiry of job protection commitments made during Altice's takeover. The proposal prompted strikes and strong trade union opposition.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In 2015–2016, UFC-Que Choisir reported unprecedented dissatisfaction with SFR: rising disputes, falling satisfaction, billing problems, cancellations and customer service difficulties. In November 2016, the association wrote directly to Michel Combes, then SFR's CEO, seeking swift solutions.

State of the evidence

Documented

In May 2016, the Paris Tribunal de grande instance declared twenty-two clauses in various SFR contracts unfair or unlawful and awarded damages to UFC-Que Choisir. The decision was issued during Michel Combes's presidency.

State of the evidence

Documented

Michel Combes launched the Shift plan to rescue Alcatel-Lucent, involving refocusing its activities, asset sales and approximately 10 000 announced job cuts worldwide. The plan prompted major union mobilisation and site closures or reductions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Michel Combes negotiated the combination of Alcatel-Lucent with Nokia, presented as creating a European champion but perceived by unions and some observers as the disappearance of an independent French group. Overlapping industrial operations raised concerns about future job losses.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Michel Combes's departure from Alcatel-Lucent triggered national controversy when his potential package, comprising deferred remuneration, shares and non-compete compensation, was valued at approximately €13.7 million. Politicians and the High Committee for Corporate Governance challenged the terms of the arrangement.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated