PMU appoints new leadership duo to revive French racing prospects

French state-owned racing operator Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) has moved to restructure its senior executive leadership team, confirming the appointments of Cyril Linette as new Group Chief Executive, supported by Bertrand Meheut as Group Chairman.

The executive appointments have been approved by the PMU’s governance stakeholders of France Galop (racetrack operator), LeTROT French racing’s governing body and the French Ministry of Agriculture.

The leadership duo has previously worked together at French TV broadcaster Canal Plus, where Bertrand Meheut served as long-term Executive Chairman (2003-2015).

One of French sports most recognisable figureheads, Cyril Linette takes PMU leadership having most recently served as Director General of leading French sports media publisher l’Equipe Francais.

French news sources report that Linette and Meheut have been tasked with reviving PMU’s stagnant performance and product offering within an evolving French betting marketplace.

In 2018, the PMU is set to undertake a revamp of its betting systems and group retail network.

“The goal set for this new direction is to accelerate the revival of activity and brand on the core business of the PMU through the conquest of new customers, products and service innovation, the consolidation of its physical network and the international development of betting on French races.” The PMU detailed in its market update.