Lesaffre, a global key player in fermentation and microorganisms, has appointed Thomas Lesaffre as the new General Manager of Fermentis, its business unit specializing in fermentation and characterization solutions for the beverage industry.
Under Thomas Lesaffre’s leadership, Fermentis will continue to grow while strengthening its position as a trusted partner in the market and innovator in fermentation and characterization solutions for beer, wine, spirits, cider, coffee, and other beverages.
Supported by a talented team of oenologists, brewers, scientists and engineers, Fermentis helps beverage makers at all levels – from home enthusiasts and craft producers to large-scale industrial manufacturers – by delivering innovative products and services that set new industry standards. Through the Fermentis Academy, its experts conduct applied science research and work closely with beverage creators worldwide.
Thomas Lesaffre will continue to serve as a member of the Lesaffre Executive Committee. He succeeds Stéphane Meulemans, who led Fermentis for 12 years during a period of significant growth and expansion for the business unit.
“Thomas 20 years’ experience within the various Lesaffre entities in France and internationally, combined with his strategic vision and in-depth knowledge of our corporate culture, will be extremely useful for Fermentis’ development. With the support of a talented team, I’m convinced that Thomas will perfectly reinforce the key role that this business unit plays in the world of beverages.” – Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre.
“I strongly believe that the renowned expertise of Fermentis is a powerful asset to consolidate its position as an essential partner in the global beverage industry. As markets grow more dynamic and demanding, it is our technical excellence, cutting-edge research and development, and innovative spirit that will set us apart, not only in the alcoholic beverage sector but also in pioneering advancements in non-alcoholic beverages. I am eager to meet and support our clients, all over the world, in their daily challenges of innovation, quality and sustainability.” – Thomas Lesaffre, General Manager of Fermentis
Thomas Lesaffre is a graduate of the University of Technology de Compiègne (UTC) and holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD business school. He started his career at Accenture, working as a consultant for five years, before joining Lesaffre in 2005 as a production engineer at Lesaffre Turkey. He then served as a production manager for two years at Lesaffre’s Spanish subsidiary. Later, he was appointed industrial director of Lesaffre Argentina until 2013 and served as General Manager of Lesaffre Italy from 2013 to 2017. He subsequently became Marketing Director for Baking Ingredients within Marketing for Baking, the department that supports the Group’s baking activities through the “Baking with Lesaffre” program, before being appointed Marketing for Baking Director and joining the Executive Committee in 2022.
Edouard Gestat succeeds Thomas in his previous position as Director of Marketing for Baking.
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