Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business.
Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
In her new role, she will play a leading part in executing the group’s R&I strategy, which is focused on deepening its understanding of consumer and patient needs, advancing medical and nutritional science, and enhancing product development and sustainable growth.
Esser commented: “We are delighted to welcome an experienced, high-calibre profile like Carla’s to our team. Her rich international experience in research and development in the food sector will be an asset in deploying our ambitions to remain at the forefront of our market, as we enter the next chapter of our Renew strategy.”
Hilhorst joins Danone from Unilever, where she held the position of chief R&D officer of the Nutrition Business Group. In that role, she was responsible for building global R&I programmes.
Her appointment comes as Danone, under the leadership of CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique, is placing a renewed emphasis on strengthening its research and innovation capabilities.
At the company’s last Capital Markets Event in June, Danone outlined its commitment to incorporating science at the core of its business model.
“This is a real opportunity to explore promising new avenues, in terms of categories and geographies, to meet the needs of consumers and patients,” said Hilhorst. “Danone is a unique company with a pioneering spirit, and I am thrilled to be joining as it works to transform its sector.”
Hilhorst will be based at Danone’s Global Research & Innovation Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
by Siân Yates
Source: foodbev.com
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