Thierry Blandinières, CEO of InVivo, is often described as “the most powerful man in French agriculture.” Originally from Corrèze, this energetic leader has brought strategic vision and decisive leadership to a sector that is vital to the French economy. A graduate of HEC Paris’s Executive MBA program in 2003, he has transformed InVivo, a union of 167 agricultural cooperatives, into a key player in the agribusiness landscape.

With experience at Procter & Gamble, Madrange, and Maïsadour, Blandinières is a seasoned strategist whose pragmatism allows him to tackle complex challenges head-on. Since taking the helm at InVivo, he has spearheaded a deep transformation of the group, diversifying its activities and integrating the entire agricultural value chain. Today, InVivo operates in 38 countries, employs 15,000 people, and generates €12 billion in revenue—a testament to Blandinières’s ability to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.

Under his leadership, InVivo has set the ambitious goal of mastering the entire production chain, from cereal processing to distribution. This model is built around flagship brands like Jardiland, Gamm vert, and Louise, a recent venture into the bakery industry. In 2021, Blandinières made headlines with the acquisition of the Soufflet Group, solidifying InVivo’s position as a European leader in grain trading, a global champion in malt production, the third-largest wine producer in France, and the country’s top miller. According to L’Express, three out of four French farmers are directly or indirectly connected to this agricultural powerhouse.

Known for his tenacity—described as “grinta” by a former president of the FNSEA (France’s largest farmers’ union)—Blandinières’s combative spirit drives him to aim ever higher. As president of the Brive rugby club, this determination is mirrored in his leadership style. He is unafraid to take risks to “grow at all costs,” a strategy he sees as essential to competing with industry giants like Cargill. His ambitions, however, are not without controversy. Critics have nicknamed him the “Monopoly player” for his numerous acquisitions and have pointed to setbacks, such as his failed attempt to purchase Casino last year. Nevertheless, the results speak for themselves: under his leadership, InVivo has become an agribusiness giant and a strategic player in French agriculture.

A visionary, Thierry Blandinières is not content with consolidating his achievements; he is focused on the future, placing a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. By investing in responsible supply chains and fostering local partnerships, he aims to position InVivo as a company that balances economic competitiveness with environmental responsibility.

At 60, this leader with an impressive track record continues to drive his group’s ambitions forward. His management style, blending rigor, ambition, and teamwork, has made him a respected—and sometimes formidable—figure in the sector. Thierry Blandinières embodies a new generation of agricultural leaders, capable of operating in global markets while remaining firmly rooted in local realities.

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