Danone has appointed Barry Callebaut head, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, as its new chief executive officer, effective 15 September 2021.
The decision comes after Danone CEO and chairman Emmanuel Faber stepped down from both roles within the space of two weeks, following pressure from shareholders for governance changes.
Upon his appointment, de Saint-Affrique will succeed the joint interim leadership of Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta and Shane Grant.
Antoine de Saint-Affrique joins Danone from global chocolate manufacturer and cocoa processor Barry Callebaut, where he has served as CEO since October 2015.
Prior to Barry Callebaut, he has held a series of senior executive positions at Unilever including president of the company’s food division for four years. De Saint-Affrique also served as executive vice president of Unilever’s skin category, as well as the consumer goods company’s central and eastern Europe region.
Danone will also discuss the appointment of de Saint-Affrique to a member of the board at the next annual shareholders meeting in April 2022.
“As a board we have delivered on our promise to search and find swiftly the best person to lead Danone through the next phase of our evolution,” said Danone chairman, Gilles Schnepp.
“This marks a new chapter of leadership and a continuation of how we, as a board, have been transitioning governance at the company for a few weeks already.
“We unanimously agree that Antoine de Saint-Affrique is a standout leader in the consumer goods world. He has a distinguished track record of innovation and delivery. Importantly, he brings the right blend of strategic vision, international consumer goods experience, and operational execution skills to Danone.”
Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “I am proud and honoured to join and soon lead a company which has always been an inspiration for me. I believe Danone has significant potential to continue to shape and contribute to how people eat and drink globally, and I am looking forward to – together with all Danoners – the executive committee and the board, writing our next chapter of growth and further progressing Danone’s mission.”
By Emma Upshall
Source: foodbev.com
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.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
