Vivendi appointed Jean-Yves Charlier (pictured) as the new CEO for French operator  SFR, who previously headed the conglomerate’s telecoms strategy, as it looks to increase its focus on the media sector.

Charlier has since last year been in charge of strategy for assets such as SFR and Vivendi’s 53 per cent stake in Maroc Telecom, for which it is currently evaluating competing bids.

Earlier this month, Jean-Rene Fourtou, Vivendi’s chairman, said it may consider an IPO for SFR, although such a move is not considered imminent, as first the parent wants to put the French unit on a stronger footing.

The appointment of Charlier splits the role of CEO and chairman at SFR, as he replaces Stephane Roussel, who remains as chairman.

In addition, Sandrine Dufour has been appointed as SFR’s head of finance and strategy, alongside a new six-member executive committee.

According to Bloomberg, Fourtou and Vivendi CEO Jean-Francois Dubos are now heading up the telecoms strategy and the shift in focus towards media.