French apple and kiwifruit exporter Blue Whale has announced the departure this month of president Claude Rehlinger, who has held the position for nearly seven years.
Rehlinger will reportedly be succeeded by Christophe Belloc, who has been a member of the board of directors for the last five years and is the president of Stanor, the largest cooperative of Blue Whale.
The handover, which had long been planned with director Alain Vialaret, gained unanimous approval when the board voted last month.
Christophe Belloc, the son of former Blue Whale president André Belloc, Rehlinger's predecessor, is set to take on the role early this month.
Rehlinger expressed his complete confidence in his successor, who stressed his own commitment to strengthening Blue Whale's strategic objectives and brand values, while keeping growers' interests front of mind.
Following his two three-year terms as president, Rehlinger succeeded in boosting volumes from 140,000 tonnes to 250,000 tonnes a year, while expanding distribution, orchard management and brand awareness.
