Carrefour names two deputies

Paris - Carrefour SA said Chief Executive Officer Georges Plassat requires a period of recovery after undergoing surgery and appointed two deputies to assist him in running France’s biggest retailer.

Chief Financial Officer Pierre-Jean Sivignon, 58, and General Secretary Jerome Bedier, 59, will add the role of deputy CEO to their current responsibilities, Boulogne-Billancourt, France-based Carrefour said today in a statement.

The two executives “remain in close contact” with 65- year-old Plassat, according to the company, which also appointed Georges Ralli as vice-chairman.

A Carrefour spokeswoman declined to comment on the nature of the surgery, or on when Plassat will be back.

Carrefour shares fell 0.9 percent to 27.86 euros as of 9:25 a.m. in Paris.

Since joining in 2012, Plassat has led a recovery at Carrefour, focusing on price and convenience in France to fuel growth amid weak consumer spending in its largest market, and exiting some international operations. Carrefour will be ready to start an initial public offering of shares in its Brazil unit this year, the company said last month.

Sivignon joined Carrefour in 2011, while Plassat brought in Bedier in 2012. Each has been handed extra responsibilities since then, with Sivignon overseeing southern Europe and Bedier supervising international partnerships.

Bloomberg