French food and drinks group Agrial has promoted Julien Heillaut to the position of CEO.
Heillaut will take the helm on 1 July, succeeding Ludovic Spiers, who will retire after a tenure of more than 35 years with the co-operative.
Spiers has led Agrial, home to brands including Florette salad and Breizh Cola soft drinks, since 2010.
Since 2020, Heillaut has headed Agrial's vegetables division. He joined the co-op in 2018 from fellow French manufacturer Labeyrine Fine Foods.
Agrial operates more than 100 production facilities in ten countries, managing a diverse portfolio of over brands and 900 products across five divisions.
The company's offerings span dairy, fresh produce, meat and beverages.
The co-operative is supported by 12,500 farmer members and it employs 22,000 staff.
As well as Florette, Agrial's food brands include Soignon cheese and Maitre Jacques meat products. Its drinks business also houses brands such as Loïc Raison cider.
In 2023, the company booked a 3.7% rise in sales, reaching €7.4bn ($7.83bn). It reported an EBITDA of €239m.
Announcing the results in June, Spiers said: “The performance in 2023 is further proof of Agrial's resilience, capable of adapting with agility in the face of growing uncertainties and hazards in the economic and agricultural context, accentuated by geopolitical tensions and climatic disturbances.”
