NETHERLANDS – The Dutch food and biochemicals company, Corbion has nominated Olivier Rigaud as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer effective August 8, 2019.

His appointment which awaits approval at the company’s General Meeting to be held on August 5, 2019 will see him form the Board of Management of Corbion together with Eddy van Rhede van der Kloot who will continue as CFO.

Rigaud succeeds Tjerk de Ruiter who has led Corbion since 2014.

Tjerk is said to have contributed to raising the performance of Corbion in terms of profitability and growth, as well as creating one culture from separate businesses.

“On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to welcome Olivier to Corbion,” said Chairman of the Supervisory Board Mathieu Vrijsen.

“We are delighted he will join Corbion and convinced he will be able to successfully lead Corbion through the next stage of its development as an innovative sustainable ingredient solutions company.”

Olivier Rigaud, a French national with a master’s degree in Chemistry, brings deep knowledge and insight in the ingredients markets globally.

He has operated in the sector for nearly 30 years, in significant leadership roles at Tate & Lyle and most recently as CEO at Naturex, until it was acquired by Givaudan in 2018.

He has a solid track record of driving growth, profitability and shareholder value in a sustainable way, and transforming technologies into successful innovative products.

Tjerk de Ruiter will work closely with Olivier Rigaud to ensure a smooth transition and will remain available as advisor to Corbion until mid-May 2020.

“It has been my privilege to lead Corbion during its foundational years, together with an excellent leadership team and great colleagues across the world,” said Corbion CEO Tjerk de Ruiter.

“I am proud of the progress we have together made, building our position as a leader in its industries, innovative and sustainable in its practices, and last but not least creating value for its shareholders.

“Corbion today is a global company, with a strong focus on customers and with a clear eye for our people and their development, and with sustainability close at heart.

“I am looking forward to introducing Olivier to many of my colleagues across Corbion in the transition period.”