By Julien Ponthus

LONDON, (Reuters) – Societe Generale’s outgoing chief executive (OTC) said that he is open to the idea of selecting an intern candidate for leading the French bank group over the next 10-15 years. This was a statement made by a representative of the union after Frederic Oudea met him.

Oudea, one of the most senior chief executives of European banks since the financial crisis took investors by surprise when he announced that he will be retiring in 2023, after having led the bank for 15 years.

Philippe Fournil (an official from the CGT union) stated that Oudea’s successor would be announced in six months to ensure a smooth transition of one year.

Fournier posted a note to the union’s website stating that “while he stressed the Board of Directors will make the final decision, Frederic Oudea stressed on Frederic Oudea’s quality management team as well its extensive knowledge of the business.”

Fournier, who is an official at the Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT union) bank said “He’s thus leaning towards an inner choice even though the process won’t rule out any alternatives.”

He also stated in Thursday’s note that the ideal candidate for the role of chief executive is someone between the ages 45-50 to help focus on the longer term.

Societe Generale spokeswoman refused to comment.

Azzurra Guelfi, Citi analyst said in a memo that “it is obviously too early to have an opinion on potential candidates for this role.”

In addition, she suggested that market could consider an intern candidate to fill the position of CEO. She cited divisional heads and deputies as examples.

The decision would leverage on the group’s sound fundamentals to define the next step for company growth or profitability, she said.

Speculation on the future leader of France’s third-biggest listed bank has yet to begin in earnest, but Sebastien Proto, a former managing partner of Rothschild & Cie, who now heads the bank’s retail networks, is frequently mentioned.

Other possible candidates, said French business daily Les Echos, are chief operating officer Gaëlle Olivier and Slawomir Krupa, head of global banking and investor solutions activities.

Jean Pierre Mustier is the former chief executive at Italy’s Unicredit (BIT) and who was responsible for Societe Generales CIB unit from 2003 up to the Jerome Kerviel trade scandal has been named.