Gollier, 62, is quitting because his wife has a “serious health problem,” the Paris-based company said in a statement issued on June 3. Deputy CEO Jerome Duchalais will replace him temporarily and InVivo will name a new CEO “who knows our universe well” on June 27, the company said.
“The work already started to ensure his succession has been accelerated,” said InVivo, the country’s biggest shipper of wheat.
The company said Gollier will remain in close contact with the elected members and executive committee for as long as is necessary to ensure a seamless transition.
“We would like to thank Patrice Gollier for the magnitude of the work accomplished with his teams during his six years as chief executive officer and, more generally speaking, during his 32 years at the Group,” the company said. “He has made a considerable contribution, with the board of directors, to the deep-seated changes that had to be made at the group, redefining the relationship between the Union and its members, clarifying strategy and putting an efficient organization system in place.”
Gollier is chairman of the supervisory board of Hamburg, Germany-based grain trader Alfred C. Toepfer International GmbH, which is 20% owned by InVivo with the remainder held by Archer-Daniels Midland Co.
