Veolia proposes three independent board members ahead of April meeting
Executives from Credit Agricole, Bpifrance and Abertis Foundation nominated for seats on Veolia’s board, subject to shareholder approval
Elena Whitmore 
Veolia (Paris:VIE) has announced the proposed appointment of three independent board members, following a board meeting held on March 11, 2025. These proposals, made upon the recommendation of the Nominations Committee, will be submitted for approval at the General Meeting scheduled for April 24, 2025.
Three seasoned leaders from banking and public administration
The candidates proposed for appointment are: Philippe Brassac, Chief Executive Officer of Credit Agricole SA; Arnaud Caudoux, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Bpifrance, nominated under an agreement with BPI France / Lac1; and Elena Salgado, President of the Abertis Foundation, nominated under an agreement with Caixa Criteria.
Philippe Brassac, a graduate of ENSAE, joined Credit Agricole du Gard in 1982 and held several senior positions across the group. In 2015, he became CEO of Credit Agricole SA. If appointed, he will serve as a member of both the Nominations Committee and the Purpose Committee.
Arnaud Caudoux began his career as a consultant before moving into public finance. After roles at Accenture, AT Kearney, and later OSEO, he joined Bpifrance in 2013 as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. He became Deputy CEO in 2015, overseeing finance, risk, IT, and guarantees. He is proposed as a member of the Accounts and Audit Committee and the Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development Committee.
Elena Salgado, who holds degrees in engineering and economics, previously served in various ministerial positions in Spain, including Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs, Minister of Public Administration, and Vice President of the Government. In the private sector, she has served as Managing Director of Lenzi Consulting and is currently a strategic consultant. She is proposed to join the Remuneration Committee and the Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development Committee.
Two current members to step down
With these appointments, Veolia's board will see the departure of Marion Guillou, whose term is expiring, and Francisco Reynes, who has chosen to leave his position following the General Meeting. The board expressed its appreciation for their contributions during their tenure.
Board composition and gender parity
Should shareholders approve the new appointments, the Veolia board will consist of 15 members, excluding employee directors. The composition will reflect a gender balance, with 50% women and 50% men, aligning with the company’s commitment to diversity in governance. The board noted that a mix of backgrounds and experiences is essential for tackling environmental and business challenges and enhancing long-term value creation.
About Veolia
Veolia Group operates across five continents and employs 215,000 people, delivering water, waste, and energy management solutions. In 2024, it supplied drinking water to 111 million people, provided sanitation services to 98 million, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy, and treated 65 million tonnes of waste. Through its integrated model, Veolia works to improve access to resources, protect them, and renew them as part of its broader ecological transformation strategy.
