Mr. Stephane Richard is the CEO of Orange, which is franchised in Israel, maintaining it position as one of the leading cellular telephone providers. Richard this week announced his backing for a boycott of Israel. He made his comments to the media in Cairo, Egypt. Richard is the CEO of Orange worldwide.
The CEO of the French company explained that he wishes to end the company’s relationship with the Israeli operator “tomorrow” if he could, but admits such an action would involve significant risk and penalties.
Richard was addressing a conference in Egypt, explaining his company’s plans for setting operations in that country. He explained that while he wants out of Israel as quickly as possible, he fears that such an action would expose his company to legal issues.
France owns a quarter stake in Orange and human rights organizations in that country have been pressuring the company to end its relationship with Partner Communications LTD, the Israeli operator.
Orange Israel owner Chaim Saban told the press “I am proud to hold controlling stake in Partner”, explaining his company leases the Orange brand. He vows to continue working on Behalf of Israel.
Globes quotes Partner outgoing CEO Haim Romano said, “We regret the words. Partner has held the Orange franchise since 1998 when it was under the ownership of Hong Kong’s Hutchison group. Partner will continue to loyally serve its customers in Israel without discrimination or prejudice.”
Employees of Orange Israel on Thursday morning covered the company logo with an Israeli flag as hundreds of company employees protested in a Rosh Ha’ayin branch of the cellular company.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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8 Responses
The CEO could go to Gaza and be one with Ahmad’s flock as far as I’m concerned. Does he realize without Israel is contributions to the telecommunications industry THERE WOULD BE NO SUCH THING AS ORANGE?
Time for users of Orange in the USA to boycott the company. Are you going to end your contract with Orange???
What kind of “CEO” is this Stephane Richard? The main “job” of the CEO is to make sure his company makes as much money as possible for the stakeholders/shareholders. Cutting your nose to spite your face does not fall under that category. What this spineless French Pepsi doesn’t know, is history. Coke tried that trick back in the 70’s & 80’s until they came to their senses.
What company in America is partners with orange. And do they have other companies that are owned by them.
Time to stop giving them Jewish money
real anti semitism.
Orange Israel makes in the millions on a single day. its the leading cell company in israel. He said today that it has nothing to do with BDS or politics. It is a decision the company made. Anti Semitism doesn’t need BDS or politics to make it happen. It happens in different ways.
Let them go out of business
He said this in Cairo? Which is supposed to be proisrael?
A different site spun his words as purely a business decision. Where orange isn’t a network operator, they are pulling out. Orange leases its name but has no network ownership in Israel.