Arafer has opposed the appointment of Jean

Paris, 30th March 2016
Arafer has opposed the appointment of Jean-Pierre Farandou as
Chairman of SNCF Réseau
The Chairman of the SNCF Supervisory Board consulted Arafer (French rail and road regulatory
body) on 24th March 2016, regarding the proposed appointment of Mr Jean-Pierre Farandou as
Chairman of the Board of Directors of SNCF Réseau (French infrastructure manager) further to
the resignation of Mr Jacques Rapoport.
The measures implemented by the law of 4th August 2014 reforming the railway system include
consulting Arafer, in order to ensure independent decision-making within SNCF Réseau, with a view
to unrestricted and non-discriminatory access to the rail infrastructure. It is an important guarantee
of the impartiality of the network management in the recently-created, integrated public group.
The regulator may oppose the choice of the person approached to chair the Board of Directors of
SNCF Réseau, prior to the appointment, if the person in question does not meet with all of the
guarantees required regarding independence. This opinion is legally binding.
On studying Mr Jean-Pierre Farandou’s application, objective personal connections have been
highlighted as a result of his professional activity which has been performed in full within the SNCF
group.
Arafer does not have any doubts regarding Mr Jean-Pierre Farandou’s personal qualities and skills,
but considers that the responsibilities held and the close professional ties made with SNCF Mobilités
throughout his career may lead to legitimate doubts, for third parties, regarding his independence.
Due to this decisive criteria, Arafer has had no choice but to oppose the appointment of Mr JeanPierre Farandou, while praising, despite this decision, his professionalism, strategic vision and
capacity for dialogue, important qualities required of the future Chairman or Chairwoman of SNCF
Réseau in order to face the challenges awaiting the public company.

Read Arafer’s opinion (in French)
Contact : Nathalie Arensonas - [email protected] Tél. : 01 58 01 01 20 - Mobile : 06 72 03 31 27
Tour Maine Montparnasse 33, avenue du Maine – BP 48. 75755 Paris Cedex 15. Tél. : 01 58 01 01 10
arafer.fr
About Arafer
The French rail industry established an independent body in 2010 to assist in its progressive opening up to competition: the Autorité
de régulation des activités ferroviaires (Araf, French rail regulatory body), chaired by Pierre Cardo.
The French law of 6th August 2015 for growth, activity and equality of economic opportunities (Macron Law) has widened the
regulator's scope of action to coach transport and motorway concessions. On 15th October 2015, Araf became Arafer (French rail
and road regulatory body).
Its assignment is to ensure the smooth running of public services and competitive activities for customers on the rail and road
markets. Its opinions and decisions, published on its website, are endorsed by a Board of seven independent members, appointed
for their skills in rail and road transport, economy or legal matters or for their expertise regarding competition.
Contact : Nathalie Arensonas - [email protected] Tél. : 01 58 01 01 20 - Mobile : 06 72 03 31 27
Tour Maine Montparnasse 33, avenue du Maine – BP 48. 75755 Paris Cedex 15. Tél. : 01 58 01 01 10
arafer.fr
2