Europe 1 with AFP 4:30 p.m., May 31, 2022

After the imprisonment of its CEO Jacques Bouthier, the company Vilavi (ex-Assu 2000) on Tuesday appointed a new CEO in the person of David Guyonnet.

The former CEO and founder of the group is being investigated for rape of a minor, recourse to prostitution of a minor and human trafficking.

The insurance brokerage company Vilavi (ex-Assu 2000) in turmoil since the indictment and imprisonment on May 21 of its CEO Jacques Bouthier in an investigation for "trafficking in human beings" and "rape of a minor", appointed a new president on Tuesday.

A general meeting recorded the resignation of Jacques Bouthier from his term of office as chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) and the appointment as chairman of David Guyonnet, previously deputy chief executive officer of the group, specifies the company in a press release.

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"Rape of a minor", "trafficking in human beings" ... The CEO of Assu 2000 resigns

An open psychological support cell

The "effective resignation" of Jacques Bouthier "puts an end to all his activities and responsibilities within the Vilavi group, and in all the brands and companies brought together within the entity", the company said.

The 75-year-old entrepreneur was indicted on May 21 following a preliminary investigation opened in mid-March with five other people, for "heads of human trafficking against minor and attempt, rape of a minor over 15 years old, recourse to prostitution of a minor" and "sexual assault on a minor under 15 years old".

The Vilavi group also indicates on Tuesday that a listening and psychological support cell "was immediately set up to collect the word and support employees" in France and Morocco.

A company with a turnover of 163 million euros

Founded in 1975 by Jacques Bouthier who has managed it since, the Assu 2000 group, which became Vilavi in ​​January, presents itself as the "first expert insurance and credit broker dedicated to individuals in France" and claims 1,800 employees, 163 million euros turnover and nearly 550,000 insured customers.

The group is made up of 11 brands specializing in insurance and credit brokerage and wealth management, including Assu 2000, but also Euroassurance and Assuréo.

In 2020, the magazine Challenges ranked Jacques Bouthier 487ᵉ in its ranking of the main fortunes of France, with a heritage estimated at 160 million euros.

It dropped out of the rankings in 2021.