JEAN-GABRIEL MOLLARD NAMED ACTING DIRECTOR OF SIAL PARIS
An appointment built on continuity and ambition
This appointment is part of Comexposium's strategy to strengthen synergies between the events in its Food & Beverage portfolio, now grouped within a dedicated division headed by Rodolphe Lameyse. This organisation supports the growth of the Group's brands and creates greater value for exhibitors, partners and visitors.
For SIAL Paris, this step comes just a few months before the 2026 edition opens its doors. The appointment of Jean-Gabriel Mollard ensures immediate continuity in the preparations for the show, with fully committed teams building on the momentum already under way for exhibitors, partners and visitors.
A leader who knows the show from the inside
Jean-Gabriel Mollard takes on this new responsibility with in-depth knowledge of the event, its teams and its entire ecosystem. As Director of Marketing and Communications, he has worked closely alongside Audrey Ashworth in recent years on preparing and developing SIAL Paris.
He also brings a valuable cross-functional perspective, gained through overseeing marketing for the trade shows of the SIAL Network, the world's largest network of trade fairs dedicated to food and drink, which brings together thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of professionals from 205 countries, from Paris to Montreal, Shanghai to Jakarta, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and Algiers. This dual expertise, both intimately familiar with SIAL Paris and open to its international counterparts, is a major asset for leading the next edition.
"In recent years, I've had the opportunity to work closely with Audrey Ashworth on preparing and developing SIAL Paris, which means I'm able to take on this new responsibility with confidence and peace of mind. Working with all of our fully committed teams, we will build on this momentum to create a magnificent 2026 event for our exhibitors, partners, and visitors," said Jean-Gabriel Mollard, the new Director of SIAL Paris.
Recognising Audrey Ashworth's contribution
The Comexposium Group commends Audrey Ashworth for her dedication, her professionalism and the pivotal role she has played in the growth of SIAL Paris. Under her leadership, the trade show continued to expand its international reach and strengthened its role as a must-attend event for the global agri-food industry, a trajectory rooted in the story of the show since its creation in 1964.
"Audrey has supported SIAL Paris with dedication and conviction for several years, and on behalf of the entire Group, I would like to sincerely thank her for her work and for her contribution to the growth of this iconic brand. We wish her every success in her new projects," said Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Comexposium's Food & Beverage division.
A group-wide momentum in food and beverage
Comexposium's Food & Beverage division, of which SIAL Paris is part, operates iconic brands including Wine Paris and the Vinexposium events, Le Salon Mondial du Chocolat, Gourmet Selection, the Cheese and Dairy Products Fair and Djazagro. This vertical attracts nearly 1.5 million attendees and 26,000 exhibitors across more than 35 events held in Paris, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Montreal, Toronto, Algiers and New York.
As a world leader in events dedicated to food and beverage professionals, Comexposium organises 400 trade shows, exhibitions and conventions in 80 major cities across 24 countries. Bringing these events together within a dedicated division strengthens each show's ability to serve its community, pool expertise and anticipate the evolution of global food markets.
Full speed ahead to the 2026 edition
SIAL Paris will take place from 17 to 21 October 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte, bringing together 8,000 expected exhibitors and 400,000 products on display, confirming its position as the world's largest professional food trade fair. Every two years, the event offers a unique insight into the sector's trends and opportunities, gathering producers, distributors, restaurateurs and importers-exporters under one roof.
"With just a few months to go before SIAL Paris 2026, we are approaching this new phase with determination and high standards. I know I can count on the dedication and expertise of Jean-Gabriel Mollard and his teams to make this upcoming edition into a major event serving the entire agri-food sector. We are continuing to follow the same course: SIAL Paris must continue to fulfill its role as a key driver in supporting the industry as it addresses challenges related to competitiveness, exports, and processing," concluded Rodolphe Lameyse.
The whole food community has a date: SIAL Paris, from 17 to 21 October 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte.