Lesaffre Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lesaffre has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, regional fiscal management, human capital development, and international business operations.

Committed to advancing fermentation science, Lesaffre delivers innovative solutions for baking, food taste, health care, and biotechnology while maintaining a legacy of excellence in global manufacturing.

Leadership Roles at Lesaffre

  • Chief Financial Officer - Allison Reese
  • Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie - Sezgin Gülsün
  • Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific) - Emma Ji
  • President, Lesaffre Greater (China) & General Manager, Breadmaking Business Unit - Jerome Vanachter
  • Directeur Des Ressources Humaines - Saka Mohammed
  • Allison Reese - Chief Financial Officer

    Allison Reese, the Chief Financial Officer at Lesaffre, directs the global fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the entire fermentation group. Overseeing financial reporting, risk management, and long-term investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains robust liquidity to support ongoing biotechnology research. Reese collaborates with the board to optimize cost structures across international manufacturing sites, driving efficiency in the production of yeast and food taste solutions. By monitoring global market trends, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for sustainable growth and capitalizes on emerging health care sector demands. Allison Reese maintains rigorous oversight of corporate governance, ensuring compliance with international accounting standards. Through precise financial modeling and strategic resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the competitive position of the company within the global food manufacturing landscape, ultimately securing the financial health required for continued innovation.

    Sezgin Gülsün - Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie

    Sezgin Gülsün, the Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie at Lesaffre, manages all fiscal operations and economic planning within the Turkish market. Overseeing regional budgeting, tax compliance, and local investment strategies, the Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie ensures alignment with the broader corporate objectives of the group. Gülsün directs the financial analysis of regional baking and food taste production, optimizing local supply chain costs to maximize profitability. By coordinating with regional leadership, the Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie mitigates currency risks and stabilizes cash flow across the Middle Eastern and regional operations. Sezgin Gülsün implements advanced financial controls to support the expansion of biotechnology initiatives in the area. Through diligent monitoring of regional economic indicators, the Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie provides the necessary data to drive operational excellence, ensuring that the Turkish division contributes effectively to the overall success of the global organization.

    Emma Ji - Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific)

    Emma Ji, the Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific) at Lesaffre, architects the financial framework for all operations across the Asia Pacific region. Overseeing regional revenue growth, capital expenditure, and local market investment, the Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific) ensures that the company maintains a strong fiscal presence in diverse Asian markets. Ji directs the financial integration of new biotechnology and baking solutions, aligning regional performance with global corporate targets. By managing complex regulatory environments and regional tax structures, the Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific) secures the financial stability of the division. Emma Ji collaborates with regional managers to streamline production costs and enhance operational efficiency. Through strategic financial planning and rigorous performance tracking, the Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific) drives the expansion of the company footprint, ensuring that the Asia Pacific region remains a primary engine for innovation and revenue generation within the global group.
    Emma Ji

    Jerome Vanachter - President, Lesaffre Greater (China) & General Manager, Breadmaking Business Unit

    Jerome Vanachter, the President, Lesaffre Greater (China) & General Manager, Breadmaking Business Unit at Lesaffre, directs the strategic expansion and operational performance of the breadmaking division within the Greater China region. Overseeing the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of yeast and baking solutions, the President, Lesaffre Greater (China) & General Manager, Breadmaking Business Unit ensures that the company meets the high demand for quality food ingredients in the region. Vanachter coordinates with local teams to innovate product offerings, tailoring solutions to specific regional culinary preferences. By managing the entire breadmaking value chain, the President, Lesaffre Greater (China) & General Manager, Breadmaking Business Unit drives significant revenue growth and market penetration. Jerome Vanachter maintains strong relationships with key industry partners and stakeholders to secure long-term market leadership. Through effective operational management and strategic vision, the President, Lesaffre Greater (China) & General Manager, Breadmaking Business Unit ensures that the company remains the preferred partner for baking professionals across the region.
    Jerome Vanachter

    Saka Mohammed - Directeur Des Ressources Humaines

    Saka Mohammed, the Directeur Des Ressources Humaines at Lesaffre, leads the global human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership training, the Directeur Des Ressources Humaines ensures the company attracts and retains top-tier experts in fermentation and biotechnology. Mohammed directs the implementation of corporate culture programs that foster innovation across international manufacturing facilities. By aligning workforce capabilities with the strategic goals of the group, the Directeur Des Ressources Humaines supports the scaling of health care and food taste business units. Saka Mohammed manages complex labor relations and ensures compliance with international employment regulations. Through the development of robust performance management systems, the Directeur Des Ressources Humaines drives organizational agility and operational excellence. This leadership role involves cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that the global workforce remains motivated and equipped to meet the evolving demands of the food and biotechnology industries.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lesaffre Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lesaffre?
    Lesaffre is led by Allison Reese (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sezgin Gülsün (Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie) and Emma Ji (Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific)).
    Who is part of Lesaffre’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lesaffre includes leaders such as Allison Reese (Chief Financial Officer), Sezgin Gülsün (Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie), Emma Ji (Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lesaffre have?
    Lesaffre has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lesaffre’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lesaffre includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Lesaffre Turquie, Chief Financial Officer (Asia Pacific), President, Lesaffre Greater (China) & General Manager, Breadmaking Business Unit, Directeur Des Ressources Humaines.