"After seven years at the helm, Alain had shared with the board his preference to step down before the next strategic cycle," Deslarzes said after Adecco appointed former Sodexo boss Denis Machuel as its next CEO.

"The board believes now is the right time for CEO transition, building on the strong foundations that are now in place," he said. "This decision is the culmination of a carefully planned succession process."

(Reporting by John Revill)