MILWAUKEE, WI — Lesaffre, a provider of baking ingredients and yeast solutions, has appointed Edouard Gestat as baking marketing director, succeeding Thomas Lesaffre, who is transitioning to a new role within the company.

In this position, Gestat will lead the department supporting Lesaffre’s baking activities, consolidating the company’s position as a partner to industrial and artisanal bakers by offering solutions adapted to current and future needs. He will work with a team of experts and bakers, as well as a network of more than 50 baking centers around the world. Gestat will report to Brice-Audren Riche, CEO of Lesaffre.

“I am honored to build upon the development and achievements of Thomas Lesaffre,” Gestat said. “Indeed, Baking with Lesaffre’s unparalleled expertise in fermentation is a true competitive advantage as we are reinforcing our position as an essential partner for the global bakery industry. In an ever-evolving market with rising consumer demands, it is our technical mastery, pioneering R&D and innovative mindset that will distinguish us — not only in traditional baking, but also in pioneering new frontiers.”

Gestat has spent more than two decades in the food ingredients space, holding positions in technical development, sales, marketing and general management. He joined Lesaffre in 2011 as CEO of Biospringer EMEA before transitioning to CEO of Biospringer North America. In 2022, he was appointed global marketing director, overseeing baking yeast, baking ingredients and sourdough.