Formerly chief executive of Seagram, Bronfman will leave the company at the end of the first quarter of 2002. He will remain as vice-chairman of Vivendi's board and adviser to chief executive Jean-Marie Messier.
After the merger, Bronfman agreed to stay on at Vivendi to manage its internet and music businesses, acquired when Vivendi decided to expand its media interests by acquiring Seagram's entertainment assets, Universal Studios and Universal Music.
As part of his contract, Bronfman had an option to leave the company one year after the merger had been completed.
Bronfman's family founded Seagram in the 1920s as a Canadian liquor distiller when alcohol sales were banned in the US during the prohibition era.
He and his family own 3% of Vivendi Universal, and Messier indicated no signs that Bronfman would sell their shares next year on his exit.
Meanwhile, Vivendi is said to be considering a commercial alliance between its European pay-TV unit Canal+ and Liberty Media.
Speaking at the UBS Warburg media conference in New York, Messier said that it would be the "best strategic alliance in Europe".
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