Philippe Dessertenne Named CEO of Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne

Philippe Dessertenne has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne, the leading cooperative group in the Champagne region. The board of directors announced that Dessertenne will take up his position on March 3 at the group’s headquarters in Chouilly, succeeding Christophe Juarez, who has led the organization since 2017 and is retiring.

Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC) brings together nearly 6,000 winegrowers across 82 cooperatives. The group includes well-known Champagne houses such as Nicolas Feuillatte, Castelnau, Abelé 1757, and Henriot. Under Juarez’s leadership, TEVC expanded its international presence and diversified its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Abelé 1757 and Henriot. His retirement marks a new phase for the cooperative, which is now focusing on strengthening its brands and maintaining its position in a competitive global market.

Philippe Dessertenne, 56, is an agricultural engineer with a master’s degree in business and marketing. He has significant management experience in both the agricultural and cooperative sectors. Since 2022, he has served as CEO of the LORCA cooperative group. Before that, he held key roles at Groupe Avril, where he worked closely with agricultural supply chains, and at Unilever in commercial and marketing positions. His background in cooperative models was highlighted by Éric Potié, president of TEVC, who described it as a decisive asset for guiding members through ongoing changes in the sector.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for TEVC. The group has been pursuing a strategy of premiumization and brand consolidation over recent years. This approach aims to enhance the value of Champagne terroirs while ensuring international competitiveness. Dessertenne’s main task will be to continue this strategy and support the cooperative’s members as they adapt to evolving market demands.

TEVC’s structure allows small winegrowers to pool resources and benefit from collective marketing and distribution power. The group’s brands are present in more than 80 countries, representing about 10% of total Champagne sales worldwide. In recent years, TEVC has invested in sustainable viticulture practices and innovation to respond to environmental challenges and changing consumer preferences.

The Champagne sector faces several challenges, including climate change impacts on grape production, shifting global demand patterns, and increasing competition from sparkling wines produced outside France. TEVC’s leadership transition comes as the region prepares for another busy export season and continues efforts to protect the Champagne designation internationally.

Dessertenne’s arrival is expected to bring continuity as well as fresh perspectives to TEVC’s management team. Industry observers note that his experience with both large agribusiness groups and cooperatives positions him well to balance economic performance with the interests of member winegrowers. The board expressed confidence that Dessertenne will help guide TEVC through its next phase of development while maintaining its commitment to quality and regional identity.

The handover between Juarez and Dessertenne will take place over several weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Stakeholders across the Champagne industry will be watching closely as TEVC moves forward under new leadership during a period marked by both opportunity and uncertainty for French wine producers.