Jean-François Loiseau has prematurely left the presidency of the cereal cooperative Axéréal, where he had been in office since 2011. He was removed from his duties during a board meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026. David Gonin succeeds him as president.
The agricultural cooperative Axéréal, a cereal giant, has undergone an unexpected leadership change. Jean-François Loiseau, elected president in 2011, was outvoted during a board meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, leading to his premature departure. Although renewed in his position in December 2025 for one year, this dismissal surprises in the cooperative sector.
A close associate of the group described the departure as «really very unusual in the cooperative world. In 25 years, I have never seen this», pointing to deeper strategic disagreements. Last year, the board rejected a proposal to extend the presidential term age limit from 65 to 70 years, a threshold Loiseau will reach by the end of 2026. Economic difficulties may also be a factor, particularly in the malt sector, where positive prospects from three years ago have suddenly reversed.
Axéréal, known for its brands Raoul Lemaire, La Croquise, and Savoir Terre, saw its turnover drop to 3.3 billion euros at the end of 2025, from 4 billion the previous year. This decline is attributed to a harvest affected by weather hazards and a contraction in the beer market for the second consecutive year. The cooperative had invested in malt, acquiring Cargill's activities in 2019.
In a statement, Axéréal confirms the change to «strengthen the spirit of collegiality in the strategic orientation of the cooperative». David Gonin, outgoing vice-president, is appointed president, while Romain Gallas and Jean-Luc Gitton become vice-presidents. The new governance aims to improve financial results, for the benefit of the 11,000 member farmers and 3,000 employees.
Additionally, Loiseau has presided over the Ania, the food industry union representing 15,000 companies, for two years, with his term running until June 2027. The two roles are not linked, according to Ania.
