June marks the end of the Europatat Presidency for Mr Gilles Fontaine, who joined the Europatat Board in 2014 as Treasurer and became President in 2018. Throughout these years, Mr Fontaine played an outstanding role in shaping Europatat on several fronts.
The entire Europatat membership, Board and Secretariat would like to thank him for his extraordinary work and leadership that led to a new and ambitious strategy, mission and vision for the association for the years to come.
Over the last four years, Mr Gilles Fontaine’s presidency was characterised by innovative ideas, strategic thinking and, most valuable, his relentless efforts to increase the visibility and representation of Europatat both at national and international levels. The resulting increased recognition has become an asset to the association, which nowadays is 64 members strong, representing 20 countries in Europe.
By all measures, Europatat has improved under Mr Fontaine’s lead with not only an increase in membership, but also the building and securing of a growing team of young and committed professionals inside the Secretariat, improving the financial stability and building a great relationship with other stakeholders from the potato supply chain.
He is also leaving the legacy of a new ambitious strategy for Europatat – with a strong mission to connect, represent and coordinate a common voice for all actors in the European seed and ware potato trade chain aimed at European and international decision-makers and other stakeholders.
According to newly-elected President Tigran Richter, “Gilles’ energy and devotion to the role will be difficult to match, and he is leaving Europatat on a strong footing for those who follow him. On behalf of the membership, Board and Secretariat it is my great pleasure to thank you for your dedication and the great job you have done during your eight-year term as Treasurer and President. We look forward to your continued involvement in Europatat!”
Source: Europatat
Photo: Mr Gilles Fontaine
