Post Office, SNCF, RATP: Emmanuel Macron extends game of strategic maneuvering
Jean-Pierre Farandou, the interim CEO of SNCF, a major French public transport company, has stepped down from his position due to the expiration of his term. Farandou, who has been leading SNCF since 2019, has surpassed the age limit (68 years) for leading a public company in France.
SNCF, which reported €21.5 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, is one of the public companies where President Emmanuel Macron has been indecisive about the choice of leader. Macron has been vacillating over the choice of leaders for several months for two public companies, including SNCF.
As of mid-2025, no official announcement has been made public about Farandou's successor. The French government or SNCF typically announce leadership changes close to the end of a term or upon retirement. If an announcement is made, we will keep you updated.
Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister Jean Castex is tipped to take over as CEO of SNCF. However, no information has been provided about Castex's potential term or any age limit concerns, if applicable.
La Poste, another significant public company, reported €34.6 billion in revenue last year, but no information about the current CEO or any potential changes at the company has been disclosed.
RATP, another public transport company, declined to comment on the potential change at SNCF.
Farandou's term as CEO was extended until May 2024, and he can continue in his role as interim CEO while waiting for a replacement. SNCF, with its vast network and significant impact on France's transportation infrastructure, will undoubtedly be closely watched as the search for a new CEO unfolds.
The forthcoming policy-and-legislation regarding the leadership change at SNCF, a major French public transport company, is a subject of political interest and general news. The potential politics surrounding the decision, as President Emmanuel Macron remains indecisive about the choice of leader for SNCF, is a topic that continues to be followed closely. Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister Jean Castex, tipped to take over as CEO of SNCF, may bring fresh perspectives to policy-and-legislation within the company.
