Early Life
Marie Besnier Beauvalot was born in Laval, France, on July 30, 1980. She is the daughter of Michel Besnier, the former CEO of Lactalis, and Christiane Besnier. Her grandfather, André Besnier, founded the Besnier Group, which later became Lactalis, in 1933. Growing up in Laval, she was immersed in the world of dairy and cheesemaking.
Rise to Success
After her father's death in 2000, Marie, along with her two brothers, inherited their family's stake in Lactalis. She holds an estimated 21% ownership of the company, contributing significantly to her wealth. While the exact details of her professional roles are kept private, her involvement in Lactalis has been pivotal to the company's global expansion and success. Lactalis is the largest dairy producer in Europe and one of the largest globally.
Key Business Strategies
Marie Besnier Beauvalot has been involved in the strategic decisions that have led Lactalis to expand its global presence. Lactalis has expanded operations into markets in China and Southeast Asia. The company's growth is fueled by successive generations of leadership. Emmanuel Besnier, her brother, is the current CEO.
Philanthropy
Marie Besnier Beauvalot is known for her philanthropic efforts. She supports charitable organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting health and nutrition. Notably, she is involved with the Milk for Good endowment fund, which has supported the La Source association, and helped set up France's first integrated pediatric oncology center with the Curie Institute in Paris.