Charles Marchand Will Become CEO of Eléphant Vert
The leadership change arrives on 1 November 2026 as the firm eyes international commercial growth.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People

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Eléphant Vert has announced that Charles Marchand will succeed Peter Braendle as Group CEO effective 1 November 2026. The transition follows a planned succession process initiated by the company's Board of Directors.
Why it matters
The leadership pivot signals a strategic shift toward aggressive commercial expansion in Europe and international markets. The appointment follows a six-year tenure under Braendle that focused on scaling operations through acquisitions.
Peter Braendle concludes a six-year term as CEO, a period defined by corporate expansion. The company board selected Charles Marchand for the role, citing his track record in the sector.
The players
Charles Marchand
The incoming Group CEO of Eléphant Vert with previous senior leadership experience at Olmix and TIMAC AGRO.
Peter Braendle
The outgoing Group CEO who led Eléphant Vert for six years and oversaw acquisitions including Lipofabrik and BIO3G.
Eléphant Vert
A company operating in European and African markets that focuses on agricultural and biosolutions.
The details
The board selected Marchand for his prior senior leadership roles at Olmix and TIMAC AGRO, leveraging his specific sector experience to drive market reach. During Braendle's tenure, the company expanded through the acquisition of firms including Lipofabrik and BIO3G. This transition marks the end of a six-year development stage, shifting the firm's focus toward global commercial growth.
Timeline
Peter Braendle served as Group CEO beginning in 2020.
Charles Marchand assumes the role of Group CEO on 1 November 2026.
Market Landscape
The CEO succession marks a shift in corporate strategy following the acquisition of BIO3G and Lipofabrik. It follows a multi-year growth pattern established during the previous leadership cycle.
Operators should monitor future commercial expansion strategies as the new leadership team focuses on the European and international sectors. Expect updated growth mandates and potential shifts in partnership priorities following the 1 November 2026 start date.
The takeaway
The appointment of Charles Marchand signals a pivot from the acquisition-heavy strategy of the last six years toward organic commercial growth. Businesses should monitor upcoming international sales strategies and sector-specific hiring trends within the company.
Further reading
For additional context on leadership shifts, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AgriBusiness Global.
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