THE PROMOTER
AND CHAIRMAN
Cadyst Group owes its creation to a very small SME named La Pasta, founded in 2001 by Célestin Tawamba, a Cameroonian entrepreneur with degrees from the University of Paris Dauphine and HEC Paris. Driven by a strong industrial passion, Tawamba’s ambition was to build a pan-African group that would become a major player in the agro-food, healthcare, and retail sectors by offering high-quality products that meet international standards and are accessible to everyone.
The founder’s ideological foundation is rooted in providing Africans with quality food and healthcare at affordable prices. The project aims to contribute to food sovereignty and play a role in Africa’s pharmaceutical autonomy. The goal: impose a different narrative on the African model.
GOVERNANCE
The governance structure of Cadyst Group comprises a group board of directors and subsidiary boards of directors. Under the presidency of Célestin Tawamba, the Group Board of Directors is tasked with ensuring fair treatment of shareholders and fostering constructive collaboration among stakeholders. These stakeholders include subsidiary management, employees, suppliers, customers, as well as external entities like financial institutions, regulatory authorities, and communities.
Cadyst Group governance is based on a delicate balance of power with three key focal points: an organic triangular structure consisting of two executive committee members – the Group CEO and COO – and two Independent Directors.
A dedicated audit committee reports directly to the presidency.
GROUP
STEERING COMMITTEE
Célestin TAWAMBA
Chairman
Elisabeth GOUATER
Chief Executive Officer
Abdoulaye HAMIDOU
Chief Operating Officer
Olivier HEYRAUD
Independent director
Emmanuel DE TAILLY
Independent director
The governance of Cadyst Group is implemented through effective and seamless operational management between its subsidiaries and the Group. This includes functional Steering Committees at both subsidiary and Group levels.
To ensure rigorous reporting, analyze results and performance, as well as oversee cross-functional committees focusing on « risk », « corporate social responsibility (CSR) » and « human capital ».
Cadyst Group governance, while ultimately seeking to balance the legitimate interests of shareholders and other stakeholders, emphasizes the Group’s and subsidiaries’ social responsibility with core values that include:
Transparency
Responsibility
The ability to respond qualitatively to the needs of the population.
Citizenship and compliance with tax and social security obligations
Accountability
