Loïc Robitaille: Finding your place in a changing business landscape

Trained accountant Loïc is not yet 30. But that hasn’t stopped the dynamic leader from taking on the role of financial controller after only three years at Sollio Agriculture.

Climbing the ladder

For Loïc, it all began when Sollio Agriculture offered him a position as junior analyst. Disillusioned with firm culture, Loïc quickly decided to accept and start his next adventure.

“When I arrived, the company was in the midst of a transition. There was a lot of openness to change, new ideas and the new structure being set up. I joined a small, newly created team of young professionals. The most senior member was only 31 years old!”

Since the agriculture world was entirely new to him, Loïc took his new job as an opportunity to learn about how cooperatives work.

“The agricultural industry is really something else! In my second year, I got comfortable enough to start taking on more responsibility, and for six months I held the role of senior analyst. It wasn’t long before my supervisor made the jump up the ladder, and in turn, I became the new chief accountant.”

Since October 2022, the young accountant has been the controller of the Agri-business Division, managing consolidation and operations. Looking back at his quick progress, Loïc says he is grateful for his colleagues.

“When I started as a manager, I was still on a small team. Today, I manage employees with years of experience, and there were times when I wondered if I would be able to find my place. I came in with my new ideas, wanting to get rid of outdated practices, but the people at Sollio Agriculture welcome change. I was sceptical at first, but my suggestions have been well received, and the team is amazing.”

Falling in love with agriculture

One of the most striking things about Loïc’s career path is undoubtedly his budding passion for an industry that he started out knowing little about. Today, when he talks about agriculture, Loïc is obviously excited about Sollio Agriculture’s positive impact on the industry.

“When you don’t know Sollio Agriculture, it’s hard to grasp how important it is. But we have an impact on many people—we give back to the agricultural network and make it more efficient, and we do the same for the food chain. It’s a real labour of love.”

Though a rising star, Loïc isn’t in any rush. When asked about the future, it’s stability that he envisions.

“When I first got here, things moved fast. Today, I’m more interested in understanding every aspect and facet of what we do here. There are so many opportunities for someone who wants to change positions every year, but personally I would like to be more stable. For the next few years, I’m going to concentrate on developing my team and gaining expertise.”