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Corbion CEO Olivier Rigaud will not seek a third term at the food ingredients company, with his current appointment due to end at the company’s Annual General Meeting on 12 May 2027.
Rigaud has informed Corbion’s Supervisory Board that he intends to hand over leadership of the business after eight years as chief executive.
He will remain in the role until the 2027 AGM, with the company saying he will continue to focus on improving performance, strengthening execution and delivering its strategic priorities during the remainder of his tenure.
Rigaud has led Corbion through a significant period of transformation, during which the company has sought to strengthen its position in food ingredients and other specialty markets while establishing a platform for future growth.
The Supervisory Board has now begun a search for his successor. It said the timing of Rigaud’s departure provides sufficient scope for an orderly transition and handover of responsibilities.
The leadership change comes as Corbion continues to execute its BRIGHT 2030 strategy, which is focused on strengthening performance and creating long-term value for the business and its stakeholders.
Alongside the CEO succession process, Corbion’s Supervisory Board intends to nominate Alexander (Xander) Wessels as a member of the board at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
Wessels brings experience across the life sciences, speciality chemicals and food ingredients sectors. His previous senior leadership roles include CEO of Caldic, CEO of Archroma, and president and CEO of DSM Pharmaceutical Products. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at DSM and Campina.
He currently serves as chair of the Supervisory Board of NRG PALLAS and chair of Enza Zaden, as well as sitting on the board of directors of Archroma.
Corbion said Wessels’ background in international B2B businesses, transformation, operational performance and value creation would complement the company’s strategic priorities.
His proposed appointment would add further industry and leadership experience to Corbion’s Supervisory Board as the company progresses with BRIGHT 2030.
The board said Wessels’ experience would be particularly valuable as Corbion works to improve performance and continue its transformation.
The company has yet to announce who will succeed Rigaud as CEO, with the formal succession process now underway.
Rigaud is expected to remain at the helm for the next seven months, providing Corbion with a transition period before the new CEO takes over following the May 2027 AGM.
