Christian Bombrun Takes Over as CEO of French Media Giant Webedia
Christian Bombrun has been appointed as the new CEO of French media and influencer group Webedia, effective from March 2023. He succeeds former CEO and founder Cédric Siré, who departed from the company several weeks ago. The announcement comes amidst the recent departure of Deputy CEO Michèle Benzeno.
Born in 1971, Bombrun has served as Chief Digital Officer for MTN, a leading telecom operator in Africa, for over two years. Prior to that, he held various senior roles at Orange from 2013 to 2021, including Director of Products and Services and Director of Orange Content, which oversees pay television and video-on-demand services. His previous experience also includes marketing director positions at Canal+ and deputy general manager at M6 web. Notably, Bombrun played a role as communications and digital strategy advisor in Emmanuel Macron’s 2022 election campaign.
Webedia: A Media and Entertainment Powerhouse
Founded in 2007 and acquired by Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière’s Fimalac in 2013, Webedia has emerged as a formidable force in the online media and entertainment landscape. The group operates a vast network of themed online portals covering cinema (Allociné, The Box Office Company) and video games (Jeuxvideo.com). It claims to reach over 250 million unique visitors and viewers worldwide each month.
In addition to its digital footprint, Webedia has a significant presence in the audiovisual production industry, particularly in the sports sector. It boasts a robust network of influencers, including prominent web stars such as Inoxtag, Just Riadh, and Domingo. However, the company has experienced notable departures of internet personalities in recent years, including Squeezie, France’s second-largest YouTuber, and the duo McFly and Carlito.
Leadership Changes and Challenges
The arrival of Christian Bombrun marks a new chapter for Webedia, as it navigates a changing media landscape and adapts to evolving consumer trends. His extensive experience in the digital and entertainment industries, combined with his background in advising political campaigns, positions him to steer the company through these challenges.
The company’s focus on digital content and influencer marketing aligns with the increasing demand for personalized and engaging experiences among consumers. However, Webedia faces competition from both traditional media companies and emerging platforms in the digital space. Maintaining its competitive edge while fostering innovation and creativity will be key to the company’s success under Bombrun’s leadership.
As Webedia continues to evolve, it remains a significant player in the European media sector. Bombrun’s appointment signals a shift towards a new era for the company, driven by the convergence of technology, entertainment, and audience engagement.
