An earthquake shakes the waste management and environmental services sector: Sabrina Soussan, the CEO of Suez, has announced her imminent departure from the group, scheduled for January 31. In office for three years, she had actually initiated an ambitious strategic plan aimed at transforming the company and adapting it to the challenges of the 21st century. But this surprising announcement casts doubt on the future of the company and the reasons that led her to make such a decision.
The initial analyses suggest disagreements with shareholders, notably Thierry Déau, the head of Meridiam, the company’s largest shareholder. Although Suez’s recent financial performance has been deemed positive, resulting in revenue growth, tensions appear to have undermined the foundations of this collaboration. While the group triumphed with a €1.2 billion contract in Toulouse, the disagreement with financial partners hastened this change. This unexpected departure opens the door to many questions about Suez’s strategic future and the person who will take over this key position.
The recent resignation of Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Suez, has created a stir in the industrial world. While she led one of the most influential companies in the environmental services sector, this unexpected departure raises many questions about the underlying reasons as well as the future of the group. This situation prompts us to examine not only Soussan’s career but also the economic context that led to this decisive decision.
An impressive professional background
Sabrina Soussan took the reins of Suez in 2021, bringing with her solid experience and a modernist vision for the sector. Before joining Suez, she held leadership positions at several major companies, especially in the technology field. Her career is marked by her ability to navigate complex environments and to drive innovation. In 2022, she presented an ambitious plan to propel Suez into the future with initiatives focused on sustainable practices and resource optimization. This strategic plan aimed to increase profitability while remaining true to the company’s environmental values.
With a revenue on the rise and operational results deemed satisfactory, Suez’s financial situation seemed thriving. Indeed, the group recorded a 30% increase in revenue between 2022 and 2023, reaching €8.9 billion. Despite this, internal tensions with shareholders led to disagreements on the strategic direction to pursue.
Tensions with shareholders: a decisive factor
The reasons for her departure appear to be closely linked to disagreements with shareholders, especially those from Meridiam, one of Suez’s main investors. It is reported that Thierry Déau, the head of Meridiam, decided to dismiss Sabrina Soussan following a discord over how to run the company. Unfortunately, she was seen as having an incompatibility between her vision and the shareholders’ expectations, thus calling into question the stability of her mandate.
A key element in this dynamic is the perception of the results. Although financial data is generally positive, anxiety over failing against Veolia for the famous mega-contract for Sedif has created additional pressure. This factor has contributed to exacerbating tensions with shareholders, who may have been seeking more radical reforms, falsely judged by some as disappointing financial results.
What are the prospects for Suez following this resignation?
The sudden departure of Sabrina Soussan paves the way for discussions about leadership at Suez. With Thierry Déau rising in power, this change could lead to a new company-wide strategy. The separation of the roles of chairman and CEO, which has become very fashionable, could offer a unique opportunity to redefine Suez’s trajectory. This aligns with a trend observed in many large companies seeking to establish a more robust and future-oriented governance.
It will be interesting to see how Suez will navigate this transition phase and the choices that will be made for the CEO position. While Pierre Pauliac and Yves Rannou are serving as interim leaders, the talent hunt is underway to find a new leader capable of navigating such a complex landscape. This future leader will need to not only understand economic issues but also demonstrate the ability to manage relations with shareholders and maintain commitment to the company’s environmental values.
As things stand, it is essential for Suez to focus on developing a resilience strategy. Indeed, environmental challenges and sustainability standards are tightening, and the company must refine its strategy to meet these growing demands.
In a world where economic and environmental decisions are increasingly interconnected, companies like Suez find themselves at a strategic crossroads. The need for enlightened leadership and an effective transition to sustainable business models is crucial. This context requires rapid adaptation, and Suez must find a new leader who can articulate an inspiring vision and a clear roadmap in this dynamic landscape.
FAQ on the resignation of Sabrina Soussan from Suez
Who is Sabrina Soussan? Sabrina Soussan was the CEO of Suez, a group specialized in environmental services. She was appointed to this position in January 2021.
Why did Sabrina Soussan resign? Her resignation would be linked to disagreements with shareholders and an incompatibility in her relations with them, although the group’s financial results have been on the rise.
What were Suez’s results under her leadership? Suez experienced a 30% increase in revenue between 2022 and 2023, reaching €8.9 billion, and a 25% increase in EBITDA, reflecting a significant improvement in operations.
When will she officially leave her position? Sabrina Soussan will leave Suez on January 31.
Who will take over after her departure? Two managing directors, Pierre Pauliac and Yves Rannou, will serve as interim leaders until a new CEO is appointed.
What was the strategic plan proposed by Sabrina Soussan? She had presented a five-year strategic plan in September 2022, aimed at reshaping the group through 2027.
Were any specific conflicts mentioned? Yes, there is mention of a failure against Veolia regarding a major project, which likely contributed to the climate of tension with shareholders.
What impact will this resignation have on Suez? This departure will mark a change in direction with a rise in power for Thierry Déau, the head of Meridiam, the group’s main shareholder.
