Corbion’s chief executive, Olivier Rigaud, intends to resign upon the conclusion of his current term at the firm’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for 12 May 2027. This action will bring an eight-year period in the role to a close at the food ingredients and specialty products enterprise.
Rigaud has notified Corbion’s Supervisory Board that he will not pursue a third term and will continue as CEO until the AGM to preserve stability and advance the organization’s strategic objectives.
Throughout his tenure, Rigaud has led the company through considerable change. In the months ahead, he is anticipated to sustain focus on enhancing results and refining execution. He will also further the firm’s strategic plan, notably its BRIGHT 2030 initiative.
The Supervisory Board has indicated that the chosen timing allows adequate scope for an orderly handover to his replacement, and Corbion has commenced the process of identifying Rigaud’s successor.
The business serves diverse markets in food ingredients and specialty sectors. It provides products used in applications ranging from preservation and bakery to food, beverage and industrial uses. The incoming CEO will assume control during a critical stage of the company’s transformation and expansion efforts.
In parallel with the CEO succession, the Supervisory Board plans to propose Alexander (Xander) Wessels as a new supervisory board member. They will make this proposal at an Extraordinary General Meeting, given his extensive background in life sciences, specialty chemicals and food ingredients.
Wessels has held leadership roles such as CEO of Caldic and CEO of Archroma. He also served as president and CEO of DSM Pharmaceutical Products. His experience in global business leadership, operational excellence and value creation aligns well with the company’s strategic goals.
As the succession process moves forward, the organization aims to blend leadership continuity with renewed strategic and operational drive to achieve its long-term growth targets. Rigaud’s exit will mark a new leadership era for Corbion following eight years at the top.
The firm is seeking a successor capable of building on the advancements made under Rigaud’s guidance and propelling the growth strategy ahead, with the search for a replacement already underway.
Corbion’s Supervisory Board holds that Wessels would significantly enhance the board’s capabilities, given his industry expertise, and anticipates his impactful contribution to the company’s strategic path.