Before 1982, the chief executive of the department was the prefect (préfet), who represents the French government in each department and is appointed by the president of France.
Enne 1982. aastat oli departemangu juhataja prefekt (préfet), kes esindab Prantsusmaa valitsust igas departemangus ja nimetatakse Prantsusmaa presidendi poolt.