International food and vegetable company names new CEO

International food and vegetable importer and producer Courchesne Larose has named agri-food industry veteran Michael Aucoin its new CEO.

Aucoin has worked for companies including Smuckers and Hershey and presided over Agropur’s Canadian operations from 2017 to 2019, where he managed nearly 5,000 people. He also helped ensure the operational success of Eat & Beyond, an investment firm that holds stakes in companies that manufacture vegan food, according to a news release.

Aucoin succeeds Michel Routhier, who becomes vice chair of the company’s board. 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, based in Montreal, Canada, is a family-owned company that employs more than 800 people and has been involved in the Canadian fruit and vegetable industry for more than 100 years.

“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. “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.”