Jean-Marie Messier

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Jean-Marie Messier (born December 13, 1956) is a French businessman who was Chairman and Chief Executive of the multinational media conglomerate Vivendi SA (formerly Vivendi Universal) until 2002.

After studying at the École Polytechnique from 1976 to 1980 and then at the École nationale d'administration between 1980 and 1982, Messier held several posts at the French Economy Ministry during the 1980s before moving to investment bankers Lazard Freres in 1989. After taking up the chairmanship of the utility company Compagnie Générale des Eaux in 1994, he oversaw its diversification into the media sector and its 2000 merger with Canal+ and Seagram (owners of Universal Studios) to form Vivendi Universal.

Messier was forced to resign from his position with Vivendi in July 2002 after the company posted a non-cash loss of 13.6 billion euro ($US 11.8 billion) during 2001. During his time as CEO of Vivendi, Messier used corporate funds to buy a $17.5 million apartment for his personal use at 515 Park Avenue at 60th Street in New York City, the swank Arthur Zeckendorf development that was home to luminaries like Senator Jon Corzine. After he was fired, Messier tried to claim the apartment as part of his severance package but was rebuffed. ^[1] Messier nevertheless relocated to New York City to work as a business consultant.