Bosses of Eurotunnel have confirmed a change in structure at the very top of the organisation and a new CEO.

Parent company Getlink is to separate the function of the chairman and chief executive office as of July 1.

Currently the roles are combined and held by Jacques Gounon.

As of this summer, he will become non-executive chairman of the board of directors and Yann Leriche take over as CEO.

Since 2017, he has been CEO of Transdev North America, in charge of the group's American and Canadian operations. It has 17,000 employees, generates $1.4billion in revenue, and serves over 100 cities and urban areas with seven different means of transport. He is also in charge of the worldwide development of Transdev’s autonomous vehicle activities.

Getlink says his experience will "enable him to implement the most effective strategy, so that Getlink can meet the challenges of its future development".

Jacques Gounon will retain the position of chairman and CEO until Yann Leriche takes office.

Mr Gounon said: “With a market capitalisation of over €8bn Getlink has changed dimension. I have confidence that Yann Leriche will continue and amplify the group's growth at the dawn of this new decade. I will be at his side to ensure that the transition is a complete success as he takes on his responsibilities with all the group’s stakeholders.”

Colette Neuville, senior independent director, added: “Jacques Gounon has run the company for over 15 years after rescuing it from bankruptcy. Under his leadership Getlink has been transformed and experienced remarkable growth, succeeding in surpassing the objectives set in 2007, despite the difficulties that it faced of fire, migrants and Brexit. Getlink today is a strong, forward‐looking company, highly appreciated by many investors. At the head of the board of directors, Jacques Gounon will continue to participate in its development in line with its values.”

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