Danone has appointed the former boss of Barry Callebaut Antoine de Saint-Affrique as the new CEO of its dairy and baby food group. The decision by the company’s Board follows a rigorous selecion process led by the Governance Committee.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique will succeed the joint interim leadership of Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta and Shane Grant.

The Board of Danone initiated key governance changes in March, which saw Emmanuel Faber step down as the chairman and CEO. 

The Board of Directors also decided to propose de Saint-Affrique as a new member to the Board of Danone for appointment at the next annual shareholders’ meeting next April.

Previous positions
De Saint-Affrique joins Danone from the global chocolate maker and cocoa processor, Barry Callebaut, wher he was appointed CEO in October 2015. 

Before Barry Callebaut, de Saint Affrique held a series of senior executive positions at global consumer goods company Unilever, wher he led the Foods division.

“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,” says Gilles Schnepp, chairman.

“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,” he continues. “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,” Schnepp adds.

“The Board is confident that Antoine, together with the rest of the leadership team, will deliver sustainable value for shareholders and all our stakeholders. Antoine’s proven ability to successfully deliver a purpose-led growth strategy in a sustainable way fits well with our Mission and long-term goals. He will have all the room and resources a CEO can have to best assess and direct Danone’s strategy for the future.”

Shaping future food 
On accepting his new position, de Saint-Affrique says Danone has always been an inspiring company.

“I have tremendous admiration for Danone’s rich heritage and pioneering spirit in all fields: its strong and innovative portfolio of brands that have brought health through food to people around the world for so long; the dual social and economic project which has been at the heart of the company’s purpose for decades; and its strong and unique people culture which respects both diversity and inclusivity,” he says.

“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.”