Messier Names New Canal Plus Chairman

In another move to defuse a management crisis, Vivendi Universal Chief Executive Jean-Marie Messier on Thursday promoted a popular program director to head Vivendi’s French pay-TV unit.

Dominique Farrugia, 39, was named chairman of Canal Plus, one of two positions previously held by Pierre Lescure, who also was chairman of the holding company Canal Plus Group until he was fired last week by Messier.

Lescure’s ouster and Messier’s decision to bring in Xavier Couture from a rival station, outraged Canal Plus employees.

Lescure is an icon of French broadcasting and well liked by his staff. But he couldn’t stem steep financial losses at the channel. Farrugia’s appointment is seen as a conciliatory gesture by Messier.

Like Lescure, Farrugia is well liked within Canal Plus and is seen as someone who understands the company culture.

In an e-mail to employees Thursday, Farrugia said Lescure was “in agreement and support” of his appointment.

In other steps to solidify his management team, Messier promoted two senior executives. Philippe Germond, chairman of Cegetel Group, Telecoms International and Vivendi Universal Net, also now will oversee Vivendi’s distribution and technology efforts.

Agnes Touraine was named senior executive vice president for Vivendi’s European business. Touraine will continue as CEO of Vivendi’s publishing division.