Oct. 5, 2009 (United Press International) -- France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) executive Louis-Pierre Wenes has resigned in the wake of two-dozen company personnel suicides in 18 months, many linked to work stress.

Unions blamed Deputy Chief Executive Wenes for his aggressive management style, The Times of London reported Monday. But some union leaders will likely not be appeased by Wenes' sacrifice after a video showing Chief Executive Officer Didier Lombard telling managers in the provinces of France to work harder was released.

In the video, Lombard tells the managers their days of "fishing for mussels" were over, the newspaper said.

In the most recent suicide, which occurred a week ago, the worker left a note blaming the "atmosphere" at work.

Wenes will be replaced by Stephane Richard, a former French Finance Ministry adviser, who is expected to take over for Lombard in 2011.