The shareholders of Orpea met in Paris for the first time since the publication of the shocking book «Les Fossoyeurs» which seriously tarnished the model, practices and image of a group present in 23 countries and which manages more than 350 establishments for dependent elderly people in France.
The shareholders approved by more than 99% the appointments to the board of directors of the new general manager of the group Laurent Guillot and of the former CEO of the SNCF Guillaume Pepy who will take over the chairmanship of the board.
They also voted more than 99% in favor of the appointments of three other new directors: Isabelle Calvez, director of human resources for the Veolia Group, John Glen, chairman of the board of directors of Bic until May, and David Hale, CEO of Guerbet.
In a speech before the vote, Mr. Guillot welcomed the proposed «profound renewal» of the board and thanked the «experienced and renowned personalities» who agreed to join the body to «participate in the refoundation» of the company.
For Unsa-Sams (autonomous health trades union), however, this renewal is «insufficient». In a leaflet distributed to shareholders before the meeting, the union calls for «a complete renewal of the bodies and strong representation of employees».
Shareholders were also invited to vote on the remuneration of the group’s managers.
They rejected 99.6% of the variable compensation of 563,666 euros for the year 2021 of the former managing director Yves Le Masne, as recommended by the board of directors.
The former leader was sacked at the end of January after the revelations about the group in the investigation book «Les Fossoyeurs». Justice has since opened an investigation: Orpea is suspected of institutional abuse and financial offences.
The shareholders approved its compensation policy for 2022, which does not provide for variable compensation or severance pay.
The shareholders also approved the exceptional compensation in the form of shares for Philippe Charrier, chairman of the board of directors, who also ensured the general management of the group after the scandal. This remuneration had been proposed by the board of directors to «reward» his «exceptional mobilization».