Early Life
Emmanuel Besnier was born on September 18, 1970, in Laval, Mayenne, France. He is the grandson of André Besnier, who founded Lactalis in 1933. His early education included attendance at the Lycée de l'Immaculée-Conception and ISG Business School in Paris.
Rise to Success
Besnier joined Lactalis as director of development in 1995. In 2000, at the age of 29, he became the CEO following his father's death. Under his leadership, Lactalis has expanded its global presence significantly through strategic acquisitions, including Parmalat in 2011. He has been instrumental in transforming Lactalis into a global dairy giant with a presence in over 100 countries.
Key Business Strategies
Besnier's business strategy has focused on international expansion, acquisitions, and operational efficiency. Key acquisitions include Parmalat and the acquisition of Fonterra's consumer unit for $2.2 billion. In 2024, Lactalis's revenue surpassed €30 billion. He has also focused on product diversification and innovation, including eco-friendly packaging.
Philanthropy
Besnier supports various initiatives, including an annual donation of €200,000 to the Francis-Le-Basser football stadium in Laval.