Jean Azema dismissed after failing to convince shareholders

Euro notes

The longstanding chief executive of Groupama, Jean Azema, has been dismissed following a series of setbacks caused by the eurozone crisis.

Azema, who was in charge for 11 years, failed to convince regional banks who are Groupama’s main shareholders, that he was the man for the job.

Thierry Martel, currently managing director in charge of insurance in France, will take over immediately for Azema

Groupama has been downgraded by rating agencies and told to beef up its capital to counter junk debt held with Greece and troubled bonds in Portugal.

Last month Standard and Poor’s downgraded the French insurer from “BBB” from “BBB+” with negative implications.

Azema had promised to cut costs before going public in 2015.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
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