CMA CGM, a major French shipping group, has appointed Nicolas de Tavernost, the former head of television broadcaster M6, as vice president of its media division, CMA Medias.
De Tavernost will lead the strategy committee, guiding investment decisions and operational management within CMA Medias. His appointment signifies CMA CGM's growing influence in the French media landscape.
This move underscores CMA CGM's significant expansion into the media sector, fueled by profits from the post-COVID shipping boom. The company has already acquired several newspapers and a stake in M6, and it sought to acquire BFM TV.
De Tavernost's four-decade career at M6 culminated in his recent departure. CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saade, who controls the company with family members, previously attempted to acquire M6 as part of a consortium.
The French media portrays Saade as a competitor to Vincent Bolloré, owner of the right-wing channel CNews.