CANADA – Agropur, a Canadian dairy cooperative has appointed Émile Cordeau as chief executive officer, effective 15 October 2019.
Cordeau will replace Robert Coallier, who will retire from the company on December 31, 2019 to allow time for a smooth handover and to support Cordeau during the transition period.
Coallier initially joined Agropur as a guest member of the board and has been CEO since 2012. Under his leadership, the company said that it has achieved dramatic growth particularly in the US.
Mr. Coallier successfully implemented acquisitions plan that made the Cooperative a major player in that market and one of the top 20 dairy processors in the world.
“We are very pleased that Émile has agreed to take the helm of the organisation and continue his career with us,” said Roger Massicotte, president of Agropur.
“His deep knowledge of the cooperative, his talent and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate for the position.
“I thank Robert for his dedication over the past eight years. Under his leadership, Agropur expanded into the United States and became an industry leader.”
Robert Coallier said: “As I announce my retirement, I want to thank all the colleagues at Agropur who worked with me to develop and transform our organisation, and the board for its trust and support over the past eight years.”
Since joining Agropur in 2013, Cordeau has occupied a series of positions, including most recently Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, in which capacity he played a key role in the Cooperative’s development.
Before joining Agropur, Émile Cordeau worked for seven years at Dollarama where he actively participated in its evolution from a privately held family-owned company to a major public company.
Cordeau also acquired a diversified experience in Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions with companies such as Transcontinental and RBC Capital Markets.
“I thank the board for placing their trust in me and I am very proud to take up the reins of Agropur,” said Cordeau adding that he is committed to “maintaining Agropur’s status as an industry leader in its markets.”
