Key CEO role for Olivier Roques, joining Beneo’s global ingredients business
Global ingredients group Beneo has named Olivier Roques as its new CEO, who has also jointed its executive board of directors as of this month, writes Neill Barston.
The business, which now active in more than 80 countries around the world, has continued to produce a range of solutions targeting the confectionery and snacks market segments, including devising healthier profile options amid growth within better-for-you categories.
Notably, the company’s new CEO has an engineering degree in agronomics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and has over three decades of experience within the international ingredients industry to this new role.
He started his career in the dairy and flavour industries, followed by more than twenty years in leadership roles in the USA and Europe at Agrana Fruit, a world leading manufacturer of fruit preparations. This included positions in sales, food safety and quality and new product development. Prior to his new role, Olivier was positioned as CEO of Agrana Fruit Europe.
As the business noted, in addition to being CEO, he will also be responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing as its new Chief Sales Officer, succeeding Dominic Speleers. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the company’s product portfolio of plant-based functional ingredients continues to grow in diversity.
Commenting on his new role, Olivier said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the people and products of BENEO. The portfolio supports the company’s purpose to contribute to better nutrition and health. We will continue to create strategic partnerships with our customers around the globe and adapt to their market needs.
“Our customers value both the sound science supporting our ingredients, as well as the expert know-how and quality we offer them along the entire value chain. I have found a great group of colleagues eager to accelerate our development in that direction, giving me confidence that BENEO will further strengthen this unique chain of expertise to support our customers’ products.”
