In brief
Thiam, the first black CEO of a major UK company, has confirmed his candidacy for the opposition party, PDCI. At 62, he now faces the challenge of reconnecting with Ivorians after two decades spent overseas. He recently renounced his French citizenship to be eligible for the election. Political analysts note that Thiam is relatively unknown in his home country, which could impact his campaign's effectiveness against current president Alassane Ouattara, who aims for a fourth term. Other notable political figures are disqualified from the race, including ex-president Laurent Gbagbo.
Thiam's career is a tapestry of achievements and controversies. He made history as the first Ivorian to succeed in France's prestigious Polytechnique entrance exam, entering politics as a planning minister in 1998 before a coup forced him into international business. While leading Prudential, he became a groundbreaking figure on the FTSE 100 and later faced scrutiny as CEO of Credit Suisse, culminating in his resignation amid a spying scandal. Motivated by strong family ties in Ivorian politics, including being a great-nephew to the nation’s first president, Thiam’s return creates an intriguing dynamic in the nation's political landscape.
