Total's Pouyanne Expected to be Named Chairman

Total Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne is expected to be appointed as chairman of the French oil and gas giant on Wednesday, combining both roles again a year after they were split following the death of Christophe de Margerie, who had held both positions.

The roles were divided between Pouyanne, 52, who became chief executive, and Thierry Desmarest, who was recalled to take the role of chairman after Margerie's passing.

Desmarest, who will turn 70 on Friday, will step down due to rules on age limits. He had previously served as chairman and CEO of the company from 1995 to 2007, and then continued solely as chairman until 2010.

Reporting by Bate Felix