Emmanuel Besnier

$25.86 B

Ranked #89 in World

About Emmanuel Besnier

Emmanuel Besnier, CEO of global dairy powerhouse Lactalis and named "the invisible billionaire," carries a legacy as the grandson of its founder, André Besnier. With a $15.1 billion fortune, he manages an 83% stake alongside siblings. Despite facing setbacks like the salmonella recall crisis of 2017, Besnier maintains a commitment to philanthropy and his roots in Laval, France. His 2006 "Mayennais of the Year" recognition underscores his local influence.

Born

September 18, 1970

Age

55 years

Source Of Wealth

Cheese

Industries

Food & Beverage

Citizenship

France

Residence

Laval

Emmanuel Besnier was born on 18 September 1970 in Laval, Mayenne, France. He is the son of Michel Besnier and Christiane. His grandfather, André Besnier, founded Lactalis in 1933. Emmanuel has a brother, Jean-Michel, and a sister, Marie. He was educated at Lycée de l'Immaculée-Conception and ISG Business School in Paris.

Emmanuel Besnier: Family

Emmanuel Besnier is married to Sandrine, whom he met at the lycée. They have three children. The family resides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris and a château in Entrammes near Laval.

Emmanuel Besnier: Career Highlights

Emmanuel Besnier joined Lactalis as director of development in 1995. He became CEO in 2000 after his father's death. He owns 83% of Lactalis with his siblings. His net worth is estimated at $15.1 billion (June 2018). Besnier is nicknamed "the invisible billionaire" due to shunning publicity.

Emmanuel Besnier: Companies

Emmanuel Besnier is the CEO of Lactalis, a French multinational dairy products corporation. Lactalis is the largest dairy company in the world, with annual sales of over €20 billion. The company has operations in over 80 countries and employs over 75,000 people.

Emmanuel Besnier: Major Achievements

Under Emmanuel Besnier's leadership, Lactalis has grown into a global dairy giant. The company has acquired several major dairy companies in recent years, including Parmalat, Stonyfield Farm, and Kraft Heinz's cheese business. Besnier is also credited with modernizing Lactalis's operations and making it more efficient.

Emmanuel Besnier: Awards & Achievements

Emmanuel Besnier has received numerous awards and recognitions for his business achievements. He was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Ernst & Young in 2017. He was also awarded the "Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur" by the French government in 2018.

Emmanuel Besnier: Personal Life & Legacy

Emmanuel Besnier is a private person who shuns publicity. He is known for his philanthropy, donating €200,000 annually to the Francis-Le-Basser football stadium in Laval. He also attends board meetings and built a private box with tinted glass at the stadium.

Besnier was the recipient of the "Mayennais of the Year" award in 2006 from the local Rotary Club.

Emmanuel Besnier: Trivia

Emmanuel Besnier is a fan of football (soccer) and supports Stade Lavallois, a French football club based in Laval. He is also a fan of cycling and skiing.

Wealth History

Timeline

18 September 1970

Emmanuel Besnier is born in Laval, Mayenne, France.

1995

Emmanuel Besnier joins Lactalis as director of development.

2000

Emmanuel Besnier becomes CEO of Lactalis after his father's death.

Late 2017

Lactalis recalls 12 million salmonella-contaminated baby milk boxes from 83 countries.

2006

Emmanuel Besnier receives the "Mayennais of the Year" award from the local Rotary Club.

Emmanuel Besnier : FAQs

What is Emmanuel Besnier's current net worth?

Emmanuel Besnier's current net worth is $25.86 billion.

What is Emmanuel Besnier's current global rank among billionaires?

Emmanuel Besnier holds the 89th position globally among billionaires.

What is Emmanuel Besnier's current ranking within the France?

Emmanuel Besnier holds the 6th position in France.

What was the change in Emmanuel Besnier's net worth compared to the previous year?

Emmanuel Besnier's net worth decreased by 5.01 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 30.87 billion dollars.

What are Emmanuel Besnier's main sources of wealth?

Emmanuel Besnier's main source of income comes from Cheese.

In which industry does Emmanuel Besnier primarily operate?

Emmanuel Besnier is primarily involved in the Food & Beverage industry.

How old is Emmanuel Besnier?

Emmanuel Besnier is 55 years old.

Who is Emmanuel Besnier and when was he born?

Emmanuel Besnier is a French businessman born on 18 September 1970 in Laval, Mayenne, France, known for being the CEO of Lactalis.

What was the Lactalis Salmonella Scandal and its impact?

In late 2017, Lactalis recalled 12 million baby milk boxes from 83 countries due to salmonella contamination, leading to a meeting with French finance minister Bruno Lemaire.

How does Emmanuel Besnier contribute to philanthropy in his community?

Emmanuel Besnier donates €200,000 annually to the Francis-Le-Basser football stadium in Laval and was named 'Mayennais of the Year' in 2006 by the local Rotary Club.

Can you provide details on Emmanuel Besnier's family and residence?

Emmanuel Besnier is married to Sandrine, has three children, and resides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris as well as a château in Entrammes near Laval.