Agropur announces leadership change

Canadian dairy cooperative Agropur has appointed Émile Cordeau as chief executive officer. He steps into the CEO role Oct. 15.

Cordeau replaces Robert Coallier who will remain with the company until the end of the year to "allow for a smooth handover," according to a press release issued by Agropur Thursday afternoon.

"We are very pleased that Émile has agreed to take the helm of the organization and continue his career with us," said Roger Massicotte, president of Agropur. "His deep knowledge of the Cooperative, his talent and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate for the position.

Cordeau has been with Agropur since 2013 and most recently served as senior vice-president and chief financial officer. He has been credited with playing a key role in the Cooperative's development.

A day after announcing its new CEO, Agropur said it planned to close its ice cream and frozen novelties plant in Lachute, Quebec in August 2020. Operations will be transferred to other Agropur facilities, The closure, it said, would impact 177 employees.

Agropur processes nearly 6 billion litres of milk per year at 39 plants across North America and employs more than 8,000 people. Other brands include Farmers, Agropur Signature, Agropur Grand Cheddar, Island Farms, BiPro, and the Ultima Foods joint venture’s iögo and Olympic brands.