Viridien reinstates a dissociated governance
Rhea-AI Summary
Viridien (CGG) announced a split of the Chair and CEO roles with a planned transition timeline.
Sophie Zurquiyah will remain Chair and step down from executive duties at the end of her director term at the 2026 General Meeting. Henning Berg was appointed Group CEO effective June 3, 2026, will join as COO on March 3, 2026, and his directorship will be submitted for shareholder approval at the 2026 General Meeting. Philippe Salle will continue as Lead Director.
Positive
- Named Henning Berg as Group CEO effective June 3, 2026
- Henning joins March 3, 2026 as COO for structured transition
- Sophie Zurquiyah retained as non-executive Chair for continuity
Negative
- Henning Berg directorship subject to shareholder approval at 2026 AGM
- Executive CEO duties remain until 2026 AGM delaying full transition
Insights
Board splits Chair and CEO roles; planned transitional hire aims to preserve strategic continuity while returning to separate governance.
Sophie ZURQUIYAH will remain Chair and step down from executive duties at the 2026 General Meeting, keeping strategic continuity. The Board named Henning BERG as Group CEO effective
The move reinstates a dissociated governance model and aligns with best-practice separation of oversight and management. The transition reduces single-person decision concentration but depends on disciplined role boundaries and an effective non-executive Chair to avoid conflicts.
Watch the shareholder vote at the
Paris (France), November 19, 2025, released at 7:30 am
Viridien reinstates a dissociated governance
The Board of Directors of Viridien splits the functions of Chair and Chief Executive Officer
In line with the Board’s earlier commitment to limit the combination of the Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) functions at Viridien to a temporary period, Sophie ZURQUIYAH will remain Chair of the Board and will step down from her executive responsibilities at the end of her term of office as director, i.e. at the 2026 General Meeting.
The Board of Directors unanimously supports Sophie ZURQUIYAH remaining as Chair to maintain strategic continuity and to guide Viridien’s long-term vision. Since 2018, her leadership has repositioned Viridien as an asset-light, technology-driven company with a stronger financial foundation and a more diverse portfolio.
The Board also unanimously approved the appointment of Henning BERG as Group CEO effective June 3, 2026, following recommendation of the Appointment, Remuneration and Governance Committee, after a thorough selection process, coordinated by Colette LEWINER, Committee Chair, and Philippe SALLE, Lead Director. Henning BERG will join Viridien on March 3, 2026, as Chief Operating Officer, ensuring a structured and gradual transition to the CEO role. His appointment as Director will also be submitted to the shareholders for approval at the 2026 General Meeting.
Sophie ZURQUIYAH will serve as non-executive Chair, with her directorship to be submitted at the next General Meeting to facilitate a smooth transition with Henning BERG.
Following best governance practices, Philipe SALLE will continue to serve as Lead Director.
Colette LEWINER, Chair of the Appointment, Remuneration and Governance Committee, stated: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere appreciation to Sophie for her tremendous leadership, under which Viridien has achieved a profound and resilient transformation and is now well positioned for the future. We are confident that Henning’s experience and operational strengths will allow him to leverage the Group’s solid foundations and effectively support Viridien’s growth.”
Sophie ZURQUIYAH, Chair and CEO, said: “I am proud of the Group’s accomplishments over the past eight years, which reflects not only strong leadership but also the exceptional commitment and talent of our teams worldwide. I am delighted to hand over the Group CEO role to Henning, whose knowledge and experience will support Viridien’s continued success. I look forward to supporting him during this transition and continuing my journey at Viridien as Chair.”
Henning BERG, designated CEO, stated: “It is an honor to join Viridien at this exciting stage. I thank the Board of Directors and Sophie for their trust, and I look forward to working closely with the teams to drive sustainable growth for the Group.”
Henning BERG brings over 27 years of solid experience in the oil and gas services industry, where he held senior global leadership roles. His career combines deep operational expertise with strong exposure to technology, business development, and international management.
About Viridien:
Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,200 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).
Contact:
Group General Secretary
general.secretary@viridiengroup.com
Attachment
FAQ
When will Henning Berg become Group CEO of Viridien (CGG)?
When will Henning Berg start at Viridien (CGG) and in what role?
Will Sophie Zurquiyah remain involved with Viridien (CGG) after stepping down as CEO?
Is Henning Berg's appointment as director of Viridien (CGG) final?
Who will serve as Lead Director at Viridien (CGG) after the governance change?
Why is Viridien (CGG) separating the Chair and CEO roles?
