PARIS (Reuters). Yves Le Masne was fired by Orpea, the French senior care home company. The dismissal came amid allegations of mistreatment of residents that were published in a book.

It said that Philippe Charrier, currently the chairman of non-executive committee, was appointed as the new chief executive officers.

After extracts from a book claiming that Orpea had mistreated the elderly, Orpea shares fell by half last week. They have denied all allegations.

“Mr. Charrier’s mission will be to ensure, under the Board’s control, that the best practices are applied throughout the company and to shed full light on the allegations made,” the company said in a statement.

Victor Castenet’s book, “Les Fossoyeurs”, went on sale Wednesday. It stated that food and other care products were being restricted in an Orpea residence in Paris, a rich neighbourhood, despite residents paying several thousand euros per month.

Last week, after being pressured by shareholders and the French government to hire two firms that would investigate allegations of mistreatment, the company said it was going ahead with hiring. It said that they were in the process to be designated.