French IT giant Atos has announced that it has named Nourdine Bihmane as group CEO, effective immediately.  The move is part of strengthening Atos’ governance after Rodolphe Belmer's departure in June. Prior to his new role, Bhimane was the CEO of Atos Tech Foundation.

According to the company’s statement, Bihmane will also assume the role of co-CEO in charge of the tech foundations business, operational performance improvement and in particular cash generation. Phillipe Oliva will retain his position as Group Deputy CEO while supporting Bhimane. 

It was also announced Diane Galbe would be senior executive vice president of the group in charge of strategic projects and all support functions.

The new role is a feather in the cap for Bihmane, who spent almost two decades at the French IT company. He started his career in Sales, Operations and Delivery Management in 2001 and rose to multiple leadership roles during his tenure, such as SVP Head of Managed Services, Group COO of Infrastructure and Data Management and SVP Group Head of Strategic Programs. 

Bihmane completed his education from Princeton University.

The move bodes well for Atos, a company deemed strategic by the French Government for its high level tech assets utilised in military and financial sectors.