FDJ appoints new CEO

French National Lottery and betting operator La Française des Jeux (FdJ) has named Stéphane Pallez (55) as its new chief executive officer, replacing Christophe Blanchard-Dignac who has been campaigning for a fourth term in the position.

Pallez began her career in the French Treasury, following which she filled the role of assistant director in charge of Insurance Regulation at the Caisse centrale de réassurance (CCR) while additionally serving as a CCR board member for two years. She moved on to become deputy executive director of France Télécom until 2005, and then deputy chief financial officer from 2005 onwards.

Blanchard-Dignac has held the position of chairman and chief executive officer of FdJ since October 2000. His mandate expires October 21, 2014.