Who is Stéphane Richard, being considered as the new president of OM ?

Frank McCourt is expected to appoint Stéphane Richard as the president of Olympique de Marseille, as reported by La Provence on Thursday. The 64-year-old man is notably known for leading the operator Orange for eleven years.

A decision has been made for the new president of OM. American owner Frank McCourt is set to appoint Stéphane Richard at the helm of the Phocéen club, as reported by La Provence on Thursday. According to our information, this is indeed the most serious option even if the shareholder refuses, for now, to confirm this appointment. Frank McCourt is expected to officially announce it on Friday, during his exceptional press conference at 11 am.

On the supervisory board of the port of Marseille

Unknown to the general public, 64-year-old Stéphane Richard was notably the CEO of Orange between February 2011 and early 2022. Before joining the telecommunications operator, Stéphane Richard also served as the chief of staff to the Minister of Economy and Finance between May 2007 and June 2009, first under Jean-Louis Borloo and then under Christine Lagarde. In November 2022, Stéphane Richard joined the supervisory board of the port of Marseille.

Stéphane Richard had submitted his resignation from his position at Orange at the end of 2021. The CEO stepped down following his conviction in the Crédit Lyonnais arbitration case. In June 2023, the Court of Cassation ordered a new trial in this case for Stéphane Richard. Last June, his offense was requalified as negligence. However, he was sentenced to six months of suspended prison and a €15,000 fine.

In 4th place in Ligue 1 after 28 matches, OM welcomes Metz this Friday (9:05 pm), with the obligation to win in order to stay in touch with the top three. The Phocéen team is currently one point behind Lille, the current third-place team. Qualification for the Champions League seems necessary for the club’s finances and sporting project.