Dr. Tristan Durand-Gasselin is the Executive Director of PalmElit and a board member of SEPALM Colombia and Siam Elit Palm Thailand. A specialist in breeding, quantitative genetics, and plant physiology, he holds a PhD from the National School of Agronomy of Montpellier, an Agronomist Engineer degree from ENSA Montpellier, and a Master’s in Plant Nutrition Physiology. His leadership in business management and research has fostered numerous public and private sector partnerships. Since 2015, he has led PalmElit as CEO, overseeing financial, scientific, and marketing operations. Previously, he directed research teams and scientific policies as PalmElit’s Scientific & Technical Head (2009–2015) and managed global collaborations in genetic improvement at CIRAD (2004–2009). His extensive career includes leading oil palm research at La Mé research station in Ivory Coast and pioneering cutting-edge tissue culture advancements. 

His international experience includes scientific and technical collaborations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, working in organisations such as FELDA in Malaysia, LONSUM and SOCFINDO in Indonesia, PORIM/MPOB in Malaysia, and ASD in Costa Rica. From 2006 to 2013, he was a member of the Biotechnology Advisory Committee for FELDA, contributing to research in genetic improvement, molecular biology and in vitro culture. He has served as an expert consultant for private sector partners, advising on plant material selection, seed production and genetic improvement. In addition, he has conducted scientific audits and supervised research programmes in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ecuador, fostering breeding and sustainability initiatives.

Dedicated to scientific excellence and sustainable agriculture, Dr. Tristan continues to be a driving force in innovating oil palm research and development towards shaping the industry’s future.