Galactic appoints new CEO to advance fermentation-based food preservation
Belgian lactic acid specialist Galactic has appointed Laurent Guérindon as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a strategic leadership transition focused on expanding the company’s natural antimicrobial solutions portfolio and reinforcing its position in sustainable food preservation technology.
Laurent Guérindon (left), the new CEO of Galactic, succeeds founder Frédéric van Gansberghe (right), who will remain as Chairman of the Board.
Galactic, a global leader in antimicrobials, lactic acid and its derivatives, has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Laurent Guérindon as CEO, effective 1 April 2025. The Brussels-based company, established in 1994, is positioning this transition to strengthen its focus on fermentation-based innovations for the food ingredients sector.
Strategic leadership transition
Guérindon succeeds founder Frédéric van Gansberghe, who will remain as Chairman of the Board while stepping away from daily operations. The succession follows a carefully planned transition process, with Guérindon having already been involved with the company to ensure a seamless handover.
“Galactic will continue to invest in innovation to strengthen its leadership role in natural food preservation solutions produced in a sustainable way,” says Guérindon. “I see fermentation as a key enabler for functional clean label solutions. With our existing portfolio and planned innovations, Galactic’s product range will have a significant impact on the future of food production.”
The new CEO brings over 23 years of experience in the food ingredients industry, having held senior leadership positions in both medium and large companies across Europe and internationally. His background combines technical expertise as a chemical engineer with commercial acumen from his MBA, specialising in market development, sales and business strategy.
Shift from lactic acid to broader antimicrobial solutions
Under van Gansberghe’s leadership, Galactic evolved from a small Brussels-based laboratory into a pioneer in fermentation-based food ingredients and antimicrobials. The company’s development has been marked by continuous innovation in lactates, antimicrobials, and clean label ingredients.
A significant strategic shift occurred in 2024 when Galactic rebranded to reflect its expansion beyond lactic acid production to a broader portfolio of fermentation-based antimicrobial solutions. This portfolio now includes flavours, fermented flour, infused vinegars, nisin and natamycin.
Concurrent with this refocusing, Galactic’s sister company Futero was spun off to concentrate on green chemistry and bioplastics applications, allowing Galactic to strengthen its core business in food applications.
Research and global expansion
Van Gansberghe reflected on his tenure: “One of my greatest achievements was starting from nothing and building a company that leads in innovation. Our DNA has always been about leading the way in fermentation-based solutions. I am confident that under Laurent’s leadership, Galactic will continue to prosper.”
While stepping down from daily operations, van Gansberghe will remain actively involved as Chairman, providing strategic oversight and supporting the company’s research and development initiatives.
The company currently operates production facilities across Europe, Asia and North America, supported by research teams in Belgium, China and the United States, and maintains offices in Brazil, Mexico and Japan.
Guérindon has outlined his vision for the company’s future: “Galactic has an incredible legacy, and, with our dynamic team, we will build on it to reach new heights. My goal is to continue the path we have already embarked upon and to pursue growth and expansion into new markets.”
- For more information, visit: lactic.com
