FDE elects new president

By Niamh Michail

- Last updated on GMT

“Our industry delivers one of society’s greatest traditions and pleasures. It is also a major positive contributor to the European economy," said Morel upon accepting the presidency.
“Our industry delivers one of society’s greatest traditions and pleasures. It is also a major positive contributor to the European economy," said Morel upon accepting the presidency.

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Gilles Morel, regional president for Europe and Eurasia of Mars Chocolate, has been elected president of FoodDrinkEurope for a three-year mandate.

Morel has held the role of director of the board of FoodDrinkEurope since 2014.

He will now take over from outgoing president Jesús Serafin Peréz, whom he thanked for his work over six years as FDE president.

gilles morel
Gilles Morel

“I am incredibly pleased and proud to take over this role. I am also mindful of my responsibility to keep this association on a path of productive collaboration with the European institutions and with all other stakeholders in the food and drink sector,” ​he said at a reception at the EU Pavilion of the Milan Expo.

“We face numerous challenges and opportunities ahead as an industry in the never-ending pursuit of delighting consumers while maintaining our competitiveness,” ​he said. 

Morel has worked for Mars for over twenty years where he has held various roles, including vice president of innovation and operations and regional president for Europe, Eurasia and Africa.

He studied food technology at the University of Illinois before completing a Master’s degree in International Management at ESSEC Business School.

Serafin Peréz said: “I have spent an enriching 6 years as president of FoodDrinkEurope, working with policy-makers, non-governmental bodies and of course colleagues and peers, both in the Board and the Secretariat. I will miss them of course but I know I am leaving the organisation in very competent hands”.

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