Jean-Marie Messier

Jean-Marie Messier
Born (1956-12-13) 13 December 1956
Grenoble, France
Alma mater École Polytechnique, ÉNA
Occupation Businessman

Jean-Marie Messier (born 13 December 1956) is a French businessman who was Chairman and Chief Executive of the multinational media conglomerate Vivendi (formerly Vivendi Universal) until 2002. He is also frequently referred to by the nickname "J2M" and "J6M", based on his initials.[1]

Business career

After studying at the École Polytechnique from 1976 to 1980, and then at the École nationale d'administration between 1980 and 1982, Messier held several posts at the French Economy Ministry, including a post as technical counseler for privatization under Édouard Balladur, during the 1980s, before moving to investment bank Lazard Freres in 1989. After taking up the chairmanship of the utility company Compagnie Générale des Eaux in 1994,[2] he oversaw its diversification into the media sector and its 2000 merger with Canal+ and Seagram (owners of Universal Studios) to form Vivendi Universal.

Forced resignation, and dispute over apartment

Messier was forced to resign from his position with Vivendi in July 2002, after the company posted a non-cash loss of 13.6 billion euro ($US 11.8 billion) during 2001. During his time as CEO of Vivendi, Messier used corporate funds to buy a $17.5 million apartment for his personal use at 515 Park Avenue at 60th Street in New York City, the swank Arthur Zeckendorf development that was home to Senator Jon Corzine for a time. After he was fired, Messier tried to claim the apartment as part of his severance package, but was rebuffed.[3] However, he did receive 23.4 million dollars in severance from his former employer, Vivendi.[4] Messier then relocated to New York City to work as a business consultant.

Sources

References

  1. ↑ One variant being "J6M" which stands for "Jean-Marie Messier Moi-Même-Maître-du-Monde" (Jean-Marie Messier, Myself Master of the World), an alliterative reference to his alleged great power during his time as chairman of Vivendi, coined by satirical show Les Guignols de l'info (which airs on French television channel Canal+, owned by Vivendi).
  2. ↑ Executives, Corporate. "Jean-Marie Messier". Corporate-Executives.com. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  3. ↑ Johnson, Jo and Orange, Martine, The Man Who Tried To Buy The World: Jean-Marie Messier and Vivendi Universal, Pg 238
  4. ↑ Sorkin, Andrew (July 1, 2003). "Arbitrators Say Vivendi Owes Messier $23.4 Million". New York Times. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
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