A new president at OM: Stéphane Richard, former head of Orange, is to be appointed

Olympique de Marseille is preparing to open a new chapter in its history. According to information revealed by ProvenceStéphane Richard is set to become the new president of Olympique de Marseille. With Frank McCourt having called a press conference this Friday at the Vélodrome, everything indicates that the American owner wants to mark a significant turning point in the club's governance. This announcement definitively puts an end to the wild rumor, undoubtedly spread by his entourage, that had journalist Mohammed Bouhafsi in mind for the position, a rumor that worried many OM fans, who rightly believed he lacked the experience, skills, and legitimacy for the role.

A profile of a great leader

Stéphane Richard's name may not be associated with the world of football, but it carries significant weight in the business world. The 64-year-old former CEO of Orange, who served until January 2022, embodies the profile of a seasoned leader, well-versed in the complexities of political, economic, and institutional dynamics. His deep connection to Marseille and his knowledge of the local ecosystem were key factors in his decision.

After Longoria, the need for a new direction

This announced arrival comes at a time when the club has been in turmoil for several months. On February 28th, OM appointed Alban Juster as interim president following the dismissal of Pablo Longoria. A few weeks later, the break with the former president was confirmed, marking the end of an era at the helm of the club. The appointment of Stéphane Richard appears to be as much a governance strategy as a public relations move.

In Marseille, every appointment at the head of the club sends a message. By turning to Stéphane Richard, Frank McCourt is not betting on a media figure in football, but on a boss expected to restore order, embody authority and give clarity to the Olympique Marseille organizational chart.

A presidency awaited at a turning point

It remains to be seen what the future president's actual scope of action will be. The sporting side has already undergone significant reorganization in recent weeks, and OM is seeking both institutional stability and a new strategic direction. Stéphane Richard therefore arrives with a dual, implicit mission: to reassure internally and to lend credibility to the project externally. In Marseille, this won't be enough to win matches, but it could provide a backbone to a club that desperately needed it.