The French government backs Veolia Environnement SA (VE) Chief Executive Henri Proglio to become the new head of state-controlled utility giant Electricite de France SA (EDF.FR), the prime minister's office said late Sunday.

The announcement follows a meeting of EDF's board, at which current CEO Pierre Gadonneix' wasn't nominated to remain as a director.

The French state owns 85% of EDF. Gadonneix' current term at the head of EDF comes to an end Nov. 22.

-By Adam Mitchell, Dow Jones Newswires, +33 1 40171756; adam.mitchell@dowjones.com