Corbion CEO Olivier Rigaud to step down in 2027 as succession process begins
Rigaud is expected to remain at the helm for the next seven months, giving Corbion a transition period before the new CEO takes over after the May 2027 AGM.
NETHERLANDS – Corbion CEO Olivier Rigaud will step down when his current term expires at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 12 May 2027, ending an eight-year tenure at the food ingredients and speciality products company.
Rigaud has informed Corbion’s Supervisory Board that he will not seek a third term and will remain CEO until the AGM to support continuity and the company’s strategic priorities.
Rigaud became Corbion’s chief executive in 2019 and has overseen a period of significant transformation.
During his remaining months in office, he is expected to continue focusing on improving performance, strengthening execution and advancing the company’s strategic agenda, including its BRIGHT 2030 strategy.
The Supervisory Board said the timing of the planned departure provides sufficient opportunity for an orderly transition and handover to his successor.
Corbion has already initiated the search for Rigaud’s successor. The company has not yet named a replacement, with the Supervisory Board expected to conduct a formal selection process before the end of the current CEO’s term.
The transition is intended to maintain leadership continuity while Corbion continues its efforts to improve operational performance and create long-term value for customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.
The leadership transition comes as Corbion continues to implement BRIGHT 2030, its long-term strategy to strengthen the company’s performance and position it for sustainable growth.
Corbion operates across food ingredients and other specialty markets, supplying solutions used in areas including preservation, bakery, food and beverage, and other industrial applications.
The next CEO will therefore take over during an important phase of the company’s transformation and growth programme.
Alongside the CEO succession process, Corbion’s Supervisory Board intends to nominate Alexander (Xander) Wessels as a new supervisory board member at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
Wessels brings extensive experience in life sciences, specialty chemicals and food ingredients, as well as international B2B management and business transformation.
His previous leadership positions include CEO of Caldic, CEO of Archroma and president and CEO of DSM Pharmaceutical Products.
Wessels currently chairs the Supervisory Board of NRG PALLAS and Enza Zaden and serves on the board of Archroma.
Corbion said his background in international business leadership, operational excellence, transformation and value creation would complement the company’s strategic priorities and strengthen the Supervisory Board as it executes BRIGHT 2030.
Rigaud’s departure will consequently mark a new leadership chapter for Corbion after eight years at the helm.
With the succession process now underway, the company is seeking to combine leadership continuity with renewed strategic and operational momentum as it pursues its long-term growth ambitions.
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