The French executive now has un job.

In all this, he has been a pioneer among French executives.

That irked French executives, especially board members, who were not consulted on the decision, a person close to the company said.

French executives had the worst performance; just 36 percent said they were usually on time.

The French executive has a limited power to establish regulation or legislation.

Most French executives say their companies have not yet issued formal policies on travel to the United States.

The lackluster world economy has also influenced the travel habits of French executives.

"The United States is different," said one French executive, speaking privately.

It may be that some French executives care more about the impression anyway.

He is part of a new wave of French executives who are committed to increasing shareholder value.