Emmanuel Besnier: A Leader in the Global Dairy Industry
Born on September 18, 1970, in Laval, France, Emmanuel Besnier is a distinguished figure in the dairy industry. As the CEO and chairman of Lactalis Group, he has played a pivotal role in expanding and steering the company to its current global status.
Early Life and Education
Emmanuel Besnier was educated at the Institut Supérieur de Gestion in Paris, where he developed a strong foundation in business management, which later proved instrumental in his leadership roles.
Career and Leadership at Lactalis
Taking the reins as CEO in 2000, Emmanuel Besnier is the third-generation leader of Lactalis, a company founded by his grandfather André Besnier in 1933. Under his leadership, Lactalis has expanded its operations to more than 80 countries, employing over 85,000 people worldwide.
Significant Career Highlights
Besnier's tenure has seen several key events that have shaped the company's trajectory:
- In 2011, he led the acquisition of Parmalat, marking a significant expansion into the Italian market and extending Lactalis' reach beyond Europe.
- In 2017, amidst a challenging salmonella outbreak linked to Lactalis' baby formula products, Besnier took a rare public stance to manage the crisis, initiating a major recall and promising improved safety protocols.
- By 2020, under his leadership, Lactalis reported €20 billion in sales, a testament to the company's robust growth and strategic investments exceeding €1 billion in various projects.
Despite media shyness, Emmanuel Besnier's strategic vision and leadership have reinforced Lactalis' market position and continued its legacy as a family-owned business overcoming legal and financial challenges.
Modified: 2025/12/06