Emmanuel Besnier
Emmanuel Besnier
Emmanuel Besnier is a French billionaire businessman, the third-generation owner and CEO of Lactalis, the world's largest dairy corporation. He was born on September 18, 1970, in Laval, France, to Michel Besnier and his wife, who were also involved in the dairy business.
From a young age, Emmanuel was exposed to the family business. He studied at École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Paris (HEC Paris), one of the leading business schools in Europe, where he earned a Master’s degree in Management. After completing his studies, he began working for Lactalis in 1994 in the export department.
Emmanuel quickly climbed the ranks within the organization, holding various positions such as Head of Marketing and Sales, Chief Executive Officer of Lactalis USA, and Deputy General Manager. In 2000, when his father passed away, he took over the family business at the young age of 29.
Under Emmanuel's leadership, Lactalis has expanded its operations globally, acquiring well-known brands such as Parmalat and Siggi's. The company now operates in more than one hundred countries and employs over 80,000 people worldwide.
Despite various controversies surrounding Lactalis, including a salmonella outbreak in their baby milk products, Emmanuel has managed to steer the company through difficult times, continuing to grow and thrive in the highly competitive dairy industry.
In addition to his work at Lactalis, Emmanuel is known for being low-key and private, rarely giving interviews or attending public events. He is married with two children and is reported to be a passionate collector of contemporary art.
As of 2021, Forbes estimates Emmanuel's net worth to be $8.4 billion, making him one of the richest people in France. Despite his immense wealth, he remains grounded and continues to prioritize the success and growth of the family business.