Bunge appoints Julio Garros as Chief Operating Officer
Garros will oversee the company’s global commercial activities, sustainability initiatives, and industrial operations.
USA – Bunge Global SA, a leading agribusiness giant, has appointed Julio Garros as its sole Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective December 12, 2025, consolidating leadership following the departure of co-COO David Mattiske.
This strategic shift aims to streamline operations amid the company’s ongoing integration of its US$8.2 billion acquisition of Viterra Ltd., enhancing efficiency across global commodity value chains, regional structures, and industrial operations.
Garros, previously co-COO and co-president of agribusiness, brings deep expertise in commercial activities, positioning Bunge to leverage expanded crop portfolios and supply options for farmers and customers worldwide.
Mattiske, who joined as Viterra CEO post-merger earlier in 2025, stepped down on December 11 to pursue other opportunities, ceasing his executive role immediately while aiding a transition until December 31.
Under Bunge’s Executive Severance Plan, he will receive standard compensation, reflecting an orderly exit without disruption.
CEO Greg Heckman emphasized the co-COO structure’s prior role in focusing leadership on commercial and operational synergies, now unified under Garros to drive “One Bunge” growth.
The appointment underscores Bunge’s resilience in a volatile agri-food sector, with robust revenue expansion and a US$17.69 billion market cap supporting its strong buy rating despite cash flow challenges.
Garros’s elevation signals heightened emphasis on value-added solutions in food, feed, and fuel, amid economic uncertainties and EPS pressures.
Headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, Bunge continues to prioritize global market access, benefiting from the Viterra merger’s broader reach into key origins.
Industry observers view this as a pivotal move for operational agility, especially in milling and bakery supply chains critical to food manufacturing.
With John Neppl remaining CFO, the executive team under Heckman is poised to navigate trade dynamics and innovation trends.
The appointment also comes at a time when Bunge is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global food and energy landscape.
With Garros at the helm of operations, Bunge aims to strengthen its role as a trusted partner for farmers, customers, and communities worldwide, while driving innovation across its value chains.
His leadership is expected to further align Bunge’s operational excellence with its mission of delivering sustainable solutions in agribusiness.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
