Canadian fruit and vegetable company Courchesne Larose Ltd. has appointed Michael Aucoin as CEO, effective immediately. His appointment follows a “rigorous selection process designed to ensure an orderly succession,” according to a news release.
Courchesne Larose describes Aucoin as “a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the agri-food sector” and knowledge “of distribution channel development.” His experience includes roles at Smuckers and Hershey.
Additionally, he presided over Agropur’s Canadian operations from 2017 to 2019, where he managed nearly 5,000 people and ensured the operational success of Eat & Beyond, an investment firm that holds stakes in companies that manufacture vegan food, the release said.
“I am honored by the confidence the Courchesne Larose Groupe has shown in me and extremely happy to be joining an organization whose exemplary performance has set the standard in its sector for over 100 years,” Aucoin said in the release. “I’m delighted to be able to contribute my experience to the growth of eastern Canada’s largest importer and distributor of fresh fruit and vegetables.”
Aucoin succeeds Michel Routhier, who becomes vice chair of the board of directors and will ensure a smooth transition at the company’s senior management level over the next months, the company said. Alain Routhier will remain president of Courchesne Larose.
“It is important to be able to count on a leader who, in addition to knowing our industry, can effectively mobilize our teams to foster collaboration between the various entities of the Courchesne Larose Group,” Michel Routhier said in the release. “These ingredients are essential if we are to realize our growth ambitions and become a pan-Canadian leader in the distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is a second significant step in that direction, following the recent arrival of a group of investors led by Sagard.”
Courchesne Larose Ltd. is a family-owned company that employs over 800 people. Over the past few years, several subsidiaries have been added. The Courchesne Larose Group now includes Aliments Bercy, Krops Imports, Marcan Packaging, Dynapro Transport and Maroc Fruit Overseas Co.
