Governance

A committed governance structure that reflects the diversity of our members and territories. It defines Valorial’s strategic direction, drawing on the practical experience of its 40 members.

The Board of Directors

In order to ensure that its members are fully represented in terms of their location, the nature of their activities and the size of their businesses, Valorial’s Board of Directors grew from 32 to 40 members in 2020, divided into three colleges (manufacturers, research and training organisations, and professional organisations).
This gives greater prominence to SMEs and stakeholders in the Pays de la Loire and Normandy regions, and increases the proportion of women on the Board of Directors.

Chaired by Eric Philippe (Merci les algues!), elected on 10 July 2020, the Board of Directors meets once a quarter.

• It determines strategy, defines guidelines and the annual action plan proposed by the operational team.
• It ensures the proper implementation of decisions taken at the Annual General Meeting, held each year, usually in late May or early June, during EstiValorial.

The Bureau, 10 members & 3 vice-presidents

With a highly collegial operating mode, the Bureau is composed of 10 members. Tested since 2019, it is set to be strengthened in line with the new President’s wishes. Three vice-presidents have been appointed to liaise with local authorities in the three regions covered by Valorial: Brittany, Pays de la Loire and Normandy. Since 2023, in addition to the 10 permanent members, the Bureau has had four guests.

Eric Philippe, Chairman of Valorial

Eric Philippe is an Agricultural and Agri-Food Engineer, trained at the Purpan Engineering School in Toulouse. He completed his studies with training at HEC and the French Institute of Management. He was Managing Director of Altho (Bret’s) for 15 years until 2007, before joining the Avril Group as Deputy Managing Director in charge of animal production until 2017. An interim manager in the agricultural and agri-food sectors, he is Vice-President of the Merci les Algues association and Managing Director of Maison Chancerelle.

Valorial is an undeniable opportunity and asset for our agri-food sectors and our regions. Innovation is essential for our territories and our businesses to maintain our markets and export in a low-cost world that often relies on imports. This innovation lies at the intersection of the professions and expertise of different territories. It also lies at the intersection of businesses, where small companies need larger ones and vice versa. Valorial makes this possible by connecting businesses and regions. The cheapest is often the most expensive when you factor in health and environmental considerations, a nod to Pierre Weill who is leading this fight with Bleu Blanc Coeur and Valorial. This is becoming increasingly obvious, but it needs to be repeated and proven again and again to sales networks and consumers. With Valorial’s highly committed governance, supported by a very professional team, we will continue to promote innovation and spread the word.”
Eric Philippe, Chairman of Valorial