The Orange story
Orange began in 1994 as a mobile brand launched in the UK by Hutchison. France Télécom bought it in 2000, and in 2013 the French group renamed itself Orange. The brand is known for its simple orange square.
What makes Orange powerful
Orange's power comes from its presence in many markets. It is the leading telecoms operator in France and a major player in Africa and the Middle East, where Orange Money has brought financial services to millions of people.
Orange today
Orange is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, and the French state remains a shareholder. Christel Heydemann is CEO. In 2024 it formed MasOrange in Spain through a merger with MásMóvil.
What comes next for Orange
Orange's next plan focuses on fibre and 5G networks, cybersecurity services and growth in Africa.
Why Orange ranks #96
Brand Positioning & Recall (70.0) and Sustainability, Governance & ESG (66.0) carry Orange's Power Score of 65.00.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
4 Telecom & Media brands are in the Europe 100. Orange is #4 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Orange in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Orange ranks #96 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 65.00 out of 100.
When was Orange founded and who founded it?
Orange was founded in 1988 (as France Télécom; Orange brand 1994). Founder(s): France Télécom; Orange brand created in the UK.
What is Orange's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Orange's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0 out of 100.
Who leads Orange today?
Christel Heydemann, CEO. The brand is owned by Orange SA.
Where is Orange headquartered?
Orange is based in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. Its country of origin is France.
What is Orange's revenue?
€40.40bn revenue (FY2025, +0.9% comparable), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Orange?
The Orange brand was launched in the UK in 1994, and France Télécom adopted it group-wide.
Key facts
| Brand | Orange |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Orange SA |
| Headquarters | Issy-les-Moulineaux, France |
| Founded | 1988 (as France Télécom; Orange brand 1994) |
| Founder(s) | France Télécom; Orange brand created in the UK |
| Leadership | Christel Heydemann, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €40.40bn revenue (FY2025, +0.9% comparable) Source |
| Sector | Telecom & Media |
| Country of origin | France |
| Signature fact | The Orange brand was launched in the UK in 1994, and France Télécom adopted it group-wide. |
| Official website | orange.com |
Orange is ranked #96 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 65.00).