OLIVET, FRANCE — Paul-Yves L’Anthoën has stepped down after seven years as chief executive officer of French grain cooperative Axereal.
L’Anthoën’s departure last week was confirmed by Axereal, which did not provide additional details or plans regarding a successor. He had led the company since October 2017.
One of France’s largest grain groups, Axereal originated 4.5 million tonnes of grain crops for the 2023 harvest, up 7% from the previous year, according to annual results presented at the Group’s shareholder meeting in December.
Turnover for 2023-24 was €4.08 billion ($4.7 billion), a drop of 19% year on year, with operating income of €157 million ($180.6 million), up 10%. The turnover decline was attributed “mainly by the downward trend in grain prices during the period due to high stocks in the main grain-producing countries.”
With 11,000 cooperative members and close to 3,200 employees, Axereal operates in France and around the world, originating grain and specializing in processing for brewing and milling. About 52% of Axereal’s turnover is generated internationally, with Europe accounting for 27%, South America 11% and Asia 7%.
