Orange Plans to Name Director Frederic Sanchez as Chairman

Orange SA is close to naming director Frédéric Sanchez as its next chairman, a signal of continuity at the French carrier as it weighs a major deal at home, according to people familiar with the matter.

Sanchez, 66, the head of Orange’s strategy and technology committee, could be approved as chairman as soon as Friday evening, said the people who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The board hasn’t yet approved the nomination and could decide otherwise, the people said.