CSA Hires Sananes to Build Links with Bolloré Firms

In France, research agency CSA has appointed Euro RSCG's former CEO Bernard Sananes as President. His role will include building relationships with sister firms in the Bolloré Group.

CSA is owned by French financier Vincent Bolloré, who is also the Chairman of Euro RSCG's parent firm Havas. In addition, Bolloré is a shareholder in Synovate's parent Aegis, on whose board he has repeatedly attempted to secure representation, and he also holds shares in Harris Interactive.

For nearly 15 years, Sananes worked as CEO of digital ad agency Euro RSCG, before leaving last December to become EVP, Corporate Communications and Public and European Affairs of EDF (Electricite de France). He began his career as a journalist and then became Head of Communications for the UDC group at the National Assembly, before taking on the role of Communications Adviser to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

In his new role Sananes will focus on developing CSA's business through the introduction of innovation and technology, and strengthening the company's policy analysis and advisory services.

Additionally, he will be tasked with 'reinforcing synergies' with those Bolloré Group sister firms which already have a presence in the research sector.

CSA said in a statement: 'Bernard's arrival signals the Bolloré Group's desire to reach a new stage in our position in the survey industry. Our aim is to better meet the changing needs of both business and public players in this market, in a period marked by extremely rapid changes in society and new forms of structuring the collective opinions of individuals.'

Web site: www.csa.eu .