Gilles Morel Appointed Chair of the Orkla Foods Board

Orkla Foods has appointed Gilles Morel as Chair of the Board, effective 1 June. Morel succeeds Xavier Belison, who stepped down from the role at the end of March.

Orkla Foods is on a long-term journey to strengthen competitiveness, with a clear focus on balanced organic growth, portfolio choices, and growth funding through simplification and cost discipline across the value chain.

“Orkla Foods has a clear direction and a strategy in motion,” says Øyvind Torpp, Orkla Foods Board Member, and EVP and Investment Executive at Orkla ASA. “As the company continues to strengthen competitiveness across markets, it is important to have a Board that brings long term perspective, relevant experience, and the ability to support and challenge the organization along the way. Gilles brings deep understanding of branded consumer goods and value creation across the value chain, which will be valuable in this next phase.”

Gilles Morel has more than 30 years of executive experience from international branded consumer goods companies, including Whirpool Corporation and Mars Inc. He has held senior leadership roles with end‑to‑end responsibility across commercial operations, supply chain, manufacturing, and P&L, and has led large organisations through periods of growth, transformation, and increased complexity. In recent years, he has also gained solid experience from board roles in both publicly listed and privately owned companies.

“I am honoured to take on the role as Chair of Orkla Foods,” says Morel. “The company has a strong portfolio of local brands, a clear strategic agenda and a deeply rooted values-driven culture. I look forward to working with the Board and the management team to support disciplined execution, sustainable growth and long-term value creation.”

Previous Board Chair Xavier Belison was appointed CEO at Partner in Pet Food and therefore decided to step down from his role at Orkla Foods. The company thanks Xavier for his contribution during an important phase for the company and wish him all the best in his new role.