Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#74

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Emmanuel Besnier

CEO, Lactalis

Real-Time Net Worth

$24.2B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Cheese

Industry

food-beverage

Citizenship

Biography

Emmanuel Besnier is a French businessman and the CEO of Lactalis, the world's largest dairy conglomerate. His wealth stems from his majority ownership in Lactalis, which generates over $30 billion in annual revenues. Known as "the invisible billionaire," Besnier shuns publicity and focuses on strategic acquisitions and operational efficiency. He has overseen Lactalis's expansion into over 80 countries, solidifying its position as a global leader. Despite setbacks like the 2017 salmonella crisis, he remains committed to philanthropy and his roots in Laval, France. He was recognized as "Mayennais of the Year" in 2006.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Lactalis

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Emmanuel Besnier was born on September 18, 1970, in Laval, Mayenne, France. He is the grandson of André Besnier, who founded Lactalis in 1933. He attended the Lycée de l'Immaculée-Conception and graduated from the ISG Business School in Paris.

Rise to Success

Besnier joined Lactalis in 1995 as the Director of Development and became CEO in 2000 after his father's death. Under his leadership, Lactalis has grown into a global dairy giant through strategic acquisitions, including Parmalat and Stonyfield Farm.

Key Business Strategies

Besnier has focused on expanding Lactalis's global footprint and product offerings. The company has over 266 plants in 51 countries. Lactalis's annual revenues exceed $30 billion.

Philanthropy

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

Career Milestones

1995

Director of Development

Joined Lactalis as Director of Development

2000

CEO of Lactalis

Became CEO of Lactalis following his father's death.

2006

Mayennais of the Year

Awarded "Mayennais of the Year" by the local Rotary Club.

2011

Acquisition of Parmalat

Led the acquisition of Parmalat, expanding Lactalis' reach in Italy.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Sports

Francis-Le-Basser Football Stadium

$0.2B

Annual donation to the Francis-Le-Basser football stadium in Laval.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Emmanuel Besnier is known for being a very private person."

Leadership Principles

Strategic Acquisitions

Expanding the company's global footprint through acquisitions.

Operational Efficiency

Modernizing Lactalis' operations and making them more efficient.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Salmonella Crisis

Lactalis recalled 12 million baby milk boxes due to salmonella contamination.

2024

Tax Settlement

The company faced a 19% decline in net profit due to a tax settlement with French authorities.