The General Assembly

In 2016, following the takeover of the group’s shares, the holding company saw the arrival of new shareholders. They are Mrs. Karen TALON and Mr. Lionel TALON.

Lionel TALON

An auditor and financial analyst by training, Lionel TALON holds a BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) from Boston University and an MIB (Master in International Business) from the Hult International Business School of London.

He started his professional career as a financial and strategic analyst at DOW Chemicals (Indianapolis, USA), one of the world’s leading chemical and crop protection companies, where he joined the GCS (Global Competitive Strategy) team. For 2 years, he actively participated in the development of the financial, operational and competitive strategy of the DOW group on an international scale, before joining in 2014 the aeronautics giant SNECMA, a subsidiary of the French group SAFRAN.

At SNECMA (Montereau, France), Lionel Talon also holds the position of financial and strategic analyst. For one year, he will be responsible for developing financial models to support the technical maintenance schedules of aircraft engines produced and sold by SNECMA to airlines.

In 2015, he joined DELOITTE France where he worked as an auditor before returning to Benin in 2017.
To date, he is a shareholder and CEO of the SFP Group, a family holding company with interests in more than fifteen companies in Benin and in the West African sub-region. With more than 5,000 employees working in sectors ranging from agricultural processing (mainly cotton) to hotels, port logistics and customs support services, the SFP Group is today the largest private employer in Benin and the country’s largest tax contributor. Based on an ambitious business model, and under the leadership of Lionel TALON, the SFP Group has experienced rapid growth in recent years, based on investments anchored in the real economy, while prioritizing long-term performance and a real social impact.

Karen TALON

Karen TALON holds an MBA in consulting from ESG Paris and a master in market finance from ESGF Paris.

After several missions in management control and operations in the aeronautical industry, international transport and logistics, in France and South America, she joined the Board of Directors of the SFP Holding (Société de Financement et de Participation) as a Director.

She participates in the activation of strategic levers to ensure the growth and development of the group’s activities in various sectors, notably the cotton industry, agricultural inputs, the hotel industry, etc.

Cumulatively, in 2017, she joined the Management Committee of the subsidiary SODECO (Société pour le Développement du Coton) as Deputy Commercial and Logistics Director, then appointed Commercial and Logistics Director in January 2023.

With her expertise in international trade and her skills in strategy and management, she is responsible for the company’s commercial policy, combining strategic and operational issues.