Handover within the General Management of ITERG
Crossed perspectives between Denis CHEREAU and Jean-David LEAO
Jean-David LEAO has been Managing Director of ITERG since July 1, 2025.
He has been with the Institute for almost 20 years, holding a number of strategic positions before joining the management team in 2022 as Deputy Managing Director. His appointment is part of a dynamic of continuity, supported by a perfect knowledge of ITERG, its ecosystem and future challenges.
He succeeds Denis CHEREAU, in post since February 2022, who stepped down as Managing Director of ITERG on June 30. He will, however, continue his mission as head ofIMPROVEanother ITERG-IMPROVE Group entity, until the end of September, as part of a phased retirement.
At the head of the Group, Denis CHEREAU has consolidated the Institute's economic foundations, structured its development in line with sustainable performance, and strengthened its international visibility.
This transition reflects a stable and coherent governance structure, based on continuity of commitment, collective intelligence and a shared ambition to support changes in the vegetable oil and protein sector.
Click on their name to discover their journey
CROSSED LOOKS
To mark this transition, we asked them a few questions about their backgrounds, the handover and the outlook for ITERG.
- Denis
How do you view your career at ITERG?
- What do you consider to have been the most important actions you have taken at Group level?
- What priorities have you set to support the company's development, in economic, organizational and human terms?
The main actions focused on :
- Safety in order to strengthen our practices aimed at preventing any accident involving ITERG personnel or subcontractors.
- Business development in France and internationally to improve the visibility of ITERG's skills.
- The establishment of the Alliance to integrate the skills of IMPROVE on alternative proteins and of PIVERT, which became ATV in January 2025 on green chemistry and biotechnologies.
- Leverage in-house R&D by continuing to develop Estolides production and new products based on proprietary processes.
- Strengthening economic performance by leveraging the institute's skills and directing investments towards the strategic priorities mentioned above.
- Denis
You accompanied the creation of the ITERG Group with the acquisition of IMPROVE in 2020. How has this development strengthened ITERG strategically, operationally and in terms of outreach?
ITERG's acquisition of IMPROVE at the end of 2020 marked a major strategic milestone for ITERG, transforming the institute into a leading group in the development of vegetable oils and proteins. This development has had significant impacts on strategic, operational, and outreach levels.
- Strategic strengthening
The integration of IMPROVE, a cutting-edge technological and analytical platform dedicated to plant proteins, has enabled ITERG to broaden its field of expertise from lipids and their derivatives to cover all the plant ingredients of the future. The ITERG Group has thus become, at national and international level, a coherent and essential leader in the valorisation of both lipids and plant proteins, in phase with the needs of the food and cosmetics industries. This operation is in line with the dynamics of the Plan Protéines and national protein autonomy policies, reinforcing ITERG's ability to meet the challenges of food sovereignty and ecological transition. These challenges are part of the COP signed in June 2024 with the French Minister of Industry.
- Operational strengthening
The complementarity of the two structures has generated obvious synergies, both in terms of analytical and process expertise and in terms of organization, innovation, and service offerings. ITERG and IMPROVE now offer a comprehensive offering covering the extraction, characterization, functionalization, formulation, analysis, and sensory evaluation of plant oils and proteins, right through to the finished product.
- Radiation and impact
IMPROVE, which is already recognized internationally, has enabled ITERG to extend its reach beyond France, addressing some 1,000 companies worldwide and strengthening its presence in new markets. The ITERG group relies on an extensive network of partners (CTI, ACTIA centers, Terres Inovia, ATV, etc.), promoting the coherence and pooling of technological platforms and skills. ITERG now supports companies across the entire value chain, from raw materials to formulated products, with innovative solutions for healthier, sustainable and local food, in line with societal and environmental expectations.
In summary , the acquisition of IMPROVE has enabled ITERG to position itself as a central and innovative player in the vegetable oils and proteins sector, with an expanded offering, increased agility and strengthened influence, both in France and internationally.
- Jean-David
You've known ITERG from the inside for over 20 years. How have you seen the Center evolve over the years?
ITERG has evolved considerably over the last two decades. Its sales and workforce have tripled, reflecting a remarkable growth dynamic. This sustained growth has been achieved while respecting ITERG's status as an Industrial Technical Center, and guaranteeing its public-interest missions. ITERG has established itself as a strategic player, agile and focused on the concrete needs of manufacturers, capable of integrating new challenges such as sustainability, food sovereignty and, more recently, the factory of the future.
- What major turning points or developments have marked you?
ITERG has consolidated its activities around two key strategic areas: the transition to safer, more plant-based food, and eco-responsible Green chemistry with bio-based oils and fats. These orientations have enabled us to position ourselves more clearly, improve our external visibility and build up our expertise in key areas. In addition, the Green chemistry platform was created in 2009, with a focus on "scale-up" to industrial scale, the Primary Transformation platform, with a strategic focus on solvent-free extraction, and, of course, the acquisition of IMPROVE at the end of 2020.
- How have missions, priorities and working methods changed?
Our missions remain deeply rooted in the collective interest and support for the vegetable oil and protein industry. Our working methods have been transformed: more integrated, more cross-functional, more agile. Today, we work more in project mode, capitalizing on the complementary nature of our expertise. This collective strength enables us to manage complex projects, innovate and better meet the expectations of our partners. Our links with industry have been strengthened, as have our performance requirements and our ability to co-construct concrete industrial solutions.
- How has ITERG broadened its positioning or taken on board new challenges?
ITERG has broadened its positioning by opening up to new fields of application and emerging issues directly linked to today's major transitions: the greening of food, protein sovereignty, the bioeconomy and sustainability.
The acquisition of IMPROVE marked a strategic milestone, strengthening our expertise in plant proteins and broadening our range of services.
More broadly, ITERG has adapted its offering, expertise and organization to meet new challenges, notably through the creation of technological platforms, the development of partnerships and increased international exposure.
- And what do you think has remained fundamentally unchanged in its identity?
What has never changed is our deep attachment to our public-interest missions, our scientific expertise and our proximity to the needs of the field. ITERG has always remained a useful institute, on a human scale, attentive to the needs of industry players, and committed to concrete, responsible solutions. This ability to combine technical excellence and operational pragmatism remains at the heart of our identity.
- Jean-David
What does this new role mean to you?
- A logical next step? A new challenge?
It's both a natural extension of my career path and a real turning point. I've grown professionally within ITERG, and this new role embodies the continuity of my commitment. But it's also a stimulating challenge, requiring me to bring a vision to life, take a step back and support the teams in a new phase of development. I've been lucky enough to work closely with Denis in his role, and we share a common vision of the role of a technical center like ITERG. This handover is part of a spirit of continuity, with the desire to build on what has been built up over the last 20 years, while opening up new perspectives.
- Denis
What is your state of mind when handing over the reins?
- What would you like to pass on to Jean-David?
Over the past 3 years, Jean-David and I have built up a coherent team with a shared vision of the priorities to be implemented. Our management style, which combines high standards with benevolence, has already had a positive impact on ITERG. We now need to continue in the same direction, and further develop our performance. I'm convinced that Jean-David, with the help of all ITERG employees, will be able to achieve this goal.
- Jean-David
What major prospects do you see for ITERG in the coming years?
ITERG has many challenges ahead of it to continue to support food, industrial and environmental transitions. We will continue to build up our expertise on behalf of our customers, in areas such as fat and plant protein analysis, processing, formulation and nutritional and environmental issues, as well as strengthening our international presence and developing new partnerships.
A structuring project embodies this dynamic: AZIMUT, a site extension including a storage area, new offices and the renovation of technical buildings. This project aims to modernize our tools, streamline our organization and reinforce our role as a technical center of excellence serving industry.
Beyond infrastructure, ITERG will pursue its commitment to the collective interest, with a constant focus on the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of our industry through research and innovation.
7. To both
How would you describe ITERG’s DNA?
- A strong value? What makes it unique?
Denis: ITERG is a center of excellence bringing together a wide range of skills. ITERG is at the service of all players in the industry, from small structures to major international groups. Its CTI mission enables it to provide specific support for the various needs submitted to it.
Jean-David: What makes ITERG unique is its ability to reconcile scientific rigor, collective usefulness and proximity to our industry. Our DNA is based on high-level technical expertise, rooted in industrial realities, and always geared towards concrete solutions. We are driven by a commitment to innovation, in the service of the general interest: advancing practices, supporting transitions, and always keeping in mind the concrete impact on our industry, our customers and partners.
8. Denis
What message would you like to send to the teams on the occasion of your departure?
As the time approaches for my departure from ITERG, I'd like to say a few words from the bottom of my heart. Working alongside you has been an enriching and stimulating experience. Together, we have risen to many challenges, carried out ambitious projects and contributed, each in our own way, to the Institute's reputation.
I'd like to salute your commitment, professionalism and team spirit, which are the strength and uniqueness of ITERG. Your skills and enthusiasm have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me.
I leave with the certainty that ITERG's future is in very good hands. Continue to innovate, share your ideas and cultivate this wonderful collective dynamic. I'll treasure the years I've spent with you and look forward to your future successes.
Thank you to each and every one of you for your trust, support and shared moments. I wish you all professional and personal fulfillment, and wish ITERG continued success.
9. Jean-David
A word for the teams who welcome you to this new role?
I would like to sincerely thank the teams for their daily commitment, as well as Denis and the ITERG Chairman for their trust and support. I take up this position with humility, but also with a real determination to pursue ITERG's development, together with all our employees.
I'm a firm believer in collective intelligence, in the power of teamwork and in our ability to work together on ambitious projects that benefit society.