popular articles

TotalEnergies: shareholders oppose Patrick Pouyanné’s multiple functions

TotalEnergies shareholders propose splitting the roles of CEO and Chairman for Patrick Pouyanné, aiming for stronger governance and ambitious climate targets.
Actionnaires Total cumul fonctions Pouyanné

Please share:

A coalition of TotalEnergies shareholders, led by the Ethos Foundation and including international investors such as Achmea Investment Management, Candriam and AP7, has tabled a resolution for the Annual General Meeting on May 24. They propose to separate the functions of CEO and Chairman currently held by Patrick Pouyanné. This group, representing 0.62% of TotalEnergies’ market capitalization, expresses its concern for more transparent governance and stronger climate commitments.

Shareholder arguments for separation of roles

Shareholders argue that the concentration of power in a single person can lead to conflicts of interest and compromise governance. In their view, a separation could strengthen the board’s oversight of the company’s management, thereby promoting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders. They insist that the resolution is not intended to call into question Pouyanné’s skills as CEO, but to optimize the management structure to better tackle challenges, particularly environmental ones.

Background to previous climate resolutions

This initiative comes against a backdrop where previous resolutions, notably those carried by Follow This in 2023, have failed to mobilize majority support, despite acquiring a significant 30.4% of the vote. These earlier resolutions asked TotalEnergies to specify its commitments in terms of CO2 emissions reduction and climate policy. TotalEnergies’ management of these issues, as well as its response to the climate resolutions, were the source of intense debate at the Annual General Meetings.

Challenges and implications of the new resolution

The outcome of this new proposal could significantly influence TotalEnergies’ governance structure, particularly at a time when global energy companies are coming under increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact and climate strategy. The proposed dissociation of management roles is seen by shareholders as a potential means of improving dialogue and efficiency in the management of climate and energy transition issues.

TotalEnergies’ shareholders’ proposal to separate the roles of CEO and Chairman reflects a growing trend towards more divided corporate governance focused on ambitious environmental objectives, in response to investor and stakeholder concerns about the company’s climate strategy.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Africa Oil Corporation increases its stake in Impact Oil & Gas to 39.5%, consolidating its investment strategy in the Orange Basin of Namibia, a key region for the oil sector.
The Indian conglomerate Adani suffered a record loss on the stock market after the indictment of Gautam Adani in the United States, accused of paying $250 million in bribes for solar projects in India.
The Indian conglomerate Adani suffered a record loss on the stock market after the indictment of Gautam Adani in the United States, accused of paying $250 million in bribes for solar projects in India.
Technip Energies, a key player in energy engineering, announces ambitious forecasts: over €8.6 billion in revenue by 2028 and strengthened diversification towards decarbonization and sustainable technologies.
Technip Energies, a key player in energy engineering, announces ambitious forecasts: over €8.6 billion in revenue by 2028 and strengthened diversification towards decarbonization and sustainable technologies.
Mark Noyes, a seasoned expert in renewable energy, joins TerraForm Power as CEO to steer the company’s growth strategy in the face of industry challenges and opportunities.
Mark Noyes, a seasoned expert in renewable energy, joins TerraForm Power as CEO to steer the company’s growth strategy in the face of industry challenges and opportunities.
Wood Mackenzie anticipates a protectionist shift under Trump’s presidency, marked by a retreat from net-zero ambitions. However, renewables and the IRA will continue shaping the U.S. energy future.
The Italian group Enel plans to invest €43 billion by 2027, focusing on networks and renewable energies, while increasing dividends for its shareholders.
The Italian group Enel plans to invest €43 billion by 2027, focusing on networks and renewable energies, while increasing dividends for its shareholders.
Hundreds of complaints highlight major failures at Primagaz due to a change in its IT system. The Energy Ombudsman demands immediate action to protect affected consumers.
Hundreds of complaints highlight major failures at Primagaz due to a change in its IT system. The Energy Ombudsman demands immediate action to protect affected consumers.
Despite a 3% drop in production for the third quarter of 2024, Boralex is pushing forward with new strategic renewable energy projects and strengthening its operational resilience.
Despite a 3% drop in production for the third quarter of 2024, Boralex is pushing forward with new strategic renewable energy projects and strengthening its operational resilience.
The new CEO of Schneider Electric, Olivier Blum, moves to Dubai to oversee growth in India and the Middle East, strategic regions for the company's energy and digital transition efforts.
At COP29, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné defended the oil industry's commitment to reducing methane emissions, emphasizing the importance of gradual progress in addressing the climate crisis.
At COP29, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné defended the oil industry's commitment to reducing methane emissions, emphasizing the importance of gradual progress in addressing the climate crisis.
The French industrial giant Vallourec reported a slight drop in net income to €73 million in Q3 2024. This stability is attributed to its premiumization strategy and strong margins despite challenging market conditions.
The French industrial giant Vallourec reported a slight drop in net income to €73 million in Q3 2024. This stability is attributed to its premiumization strategy and strong margins despite challenging market conditions.
Nexans aims for increased financial performance by 2028, supported by significant investments in global electrification and a strategy focused on energy transition and recycling.
Nexans aims for increased financial performance by 2028, supported by significant investments in global electrification and a strategy focused on energy transition and recycling.
Masdar and KESH sign a strategic partnership to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, positioning Albania as a key player in the European energy market.
Polish energy giant Orlen partners with the European Investment Bank to modernize its energy distribution network, aiming to integrate renewable solutions and strengthen operational efficiency.
Polish energy giant Orlen partners with the European Investment Bank to modernize its energy distribution network, aiming to integrate renewable solutions and strengthen operational efficiency.
The Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) fund strengthens its investment in Plenitude, Eni's renewable energy subsidiary, valued at over 10 billion euros, to support its strategic growth.
The Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) fund strengthens its investment in Plenitude, Eni's renewable energy subsidiary, valued at over 10 billion euros, to support its strategic growth.
In the third quarter, Halliburton reports a 20% drop in net profit, mainly impacted by a cyberattack and slowing demand in North America, its key market.
In the third quarter, Halliburton reports a 20% drop in net profit, mainly impacted by a cyberattack and slowing demand in North America, its key market.
Energias de Portugal (EDP) posts a 37% drop in profits for the third quarter of 2024. The Portuguese group nevertheless continues its investments in renewable energies to support its energy transition.
The Italian energy giant Enel announces a 38% increase in net profit over nine months, reaching 5.9 billion euros, despite a context of falling electricity prices.
The Italian energy giant Enel announces a 38% increase in net profit over nine months, reaching 5.9 billion euros, despite a context of falling electricity prices.
Cable manufacturer Nexans announces the creation of Lynxeo, a distinct entity for its industrial cable business, aiming for greater clarity and market visibility.
Cable manufacturer Nexans announces the creation of Lynxeo, a distinct entity for its industrial cable business, aiming for greater clarity and market visibility.
The Global Battery Alliance reveals the results of a collaborative project involving the world’s largest battery manufacturers to harmonize transparency and sustainability in the battery supply chain.
The Global Battery Alliance reveals the results of a collaborative project involving the world’s largest battery manufacturers to harmonize transparency and sustainability in the battery supply chain.
Akastor ASA acquires Mitsui's shares in AKOFS Offshore for USD 22.5 million, increasing its stake to 75% and consolidating its position in the subsea intervention sector.
Struggling in 2022, German energy company Uniper initiates a 530 million euro repayment to the German state. This payment represents a significant step toward reducing public influence within the company.
Struggling in 2022, German energy company Uniper initiates a 530 million euro repayment to the German state. This payment represents a significant step toward reducing public influence within the company.
ExxonMobil and Chevron’s quarterly results reveal pressure on refining margins, partially offset by increased volumes and significant shareholder support.
ExxonMobil and Chevron’s quarterly results reveal pressure on refining margins, partially offset by increased volumes and significant shareholder support.
ADNOC, the national oil company of the United Arab Emirates, deploys autonomous artificial intelligence to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance energy efficiency.
ADNOC, the national oil company of the United Arab Emirates, deploys autonomous artificial intelligence to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance energy efficiency.

Advertising