Leader Analysis

CEO, Orange Group

Christel Heydemann became CEO of Orange Group in April 2022, marking a historic first as the company’s first female chief executive. An engineer by training with a distinguished career at Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain, she brings both technical expertise and strategic acumen to one of Europe’s largest telecom operators. Known for her direct, energizing leadership style, Heydemann has positioned Orange at the forefront of digital transformation through her Lead the Future strategy—anchored in performance, excellence, and trust—while championing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Lead the Future

“We developed Lead the Future in close collaboration with the new management team and the Board… This plan plays to our many strengths, particularly our infrastructure and the connectivity services we provide to millions of customers.”

— Orange Annual Interview

How to Apply:

• Anchor strategy in performance, excellence, and trust.
• Extract more value from core business.
• Build long-term credibility with customers and regulators.

AI & Networks as the Next Revolution

“Who else is better placed to create a secure platform that combines the best of both worlds? … We’re exploring what AI-driven networks will look like – and that’s where we see real opportunity.”

— Orange Newsroom

How to Apply:

• Use AI to make networks smarter and more efficient.
• Position Orange as a bridge between cloud and edge.
• Focus innovation on customer and business value.

Resilience Through People

“Our committed teams enable the Group to demonstrate its resilience and ability to adapt quickly to market changes.”

— Orange Annual Interview

How to Apply:

• Recognize people as the foundation of resilience.
• Empower teams to respond quickly to disruption.
• Celebrate commitment and adaptability.

Leadership Energy

“I see myself as an energy giver — direct, engaged, and focused on tackling challenges.”

— Leadership Podcast

How to Apply:

• Lead with energy and clarity.
• Tackle big challenges head-on.
• Inspire teams by modeling direct, transparent leadership.

Inclusion & Trust

“Trust is built every day — in how we treat our employees, our customers, and our communities.”

— Orange CEO Remarks

How to Apply:

• Invest in inclusivity and accessibility (e.g., neurodiversity, disability programs).
• Make trust-building part of daily operations.
• Align culture with values of equity and openness.

Global Growth with Local Purpose

“Digital technology is a lever for economic sovereignty.”

— The Africa Report

How to Apply:

• Expand thoughtfully in Africa and the Middle East.
• Support governments with digital sovereignty goals.
• Tailor offerings to local needs in education, finance, and e-governance.

Conclusion

Christel Heydemann’s leadership playbook reflects a powerful blend of strategic vision, operational rigor, and people-first values. By coupling bold bets on AI and cybersecurity with a deep commitment to inclusion, trust, and purposeful global expansion, she is redefining what it means to lead in the digital age. For business leaders everywhere, her example underscores a timeless truth: lasting growth comes from energizing teams, empowering communities, and building trust at every level.