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 stated in a post on the union’s site, “While Fournier stressed the fact that the decision will be made by board of directors. Frederic Oudea insists on the quality and knowledge of current management team.”

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

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 Guielfi, Citi analyst, stated in a note that it was too soon to make a decision on the potential candidates.

The market may consider the possibility of an internal candidate for the new CEO role, she said, noting divisional heads and deputies as possible candidates.

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.

The name Jean Pierre Mustier (BIT:) is being mentioned outside the group. He was the ex-chief executive of Italy’s Unicredit (BIT). Mustier had been the head of Societe Generale’s CIB Division from 2003 to the Jerome Kerviel trading scam.