Decaux lures TDI boss to Euro role

TDI chief executive Jeremy Male has stunned the outdoor industry by defecting to JC Decaux to take over Jean-Francois Decaux’s role as chief executive of Northern Europe.

Jean-Francois Decaux will now focus on the group’s strategic and international development, but will remain based in the UK. He says: “Male joins at a time that is likely to be a turning point in the company’s international development.”

TDI chief operating officer Tom Goddard is to take on Male’s role.

The move is a coup for the French street furniture company. Male is a well-known figure in outdoor, with a reputation for impeccable business practise. It is the first time that someone from outside the family has taken such a senior post at the French company.

JC Decaux is to float on the French stock exchange in November, which will enable the company to offer stock options to Male and other non-family managers.

Male has been with TDI for more than six years. He joined as managing director when it was awarded the franchise for London Transport’s advertising on the Tube and buses.