Danone strengthens leadership team with three deputy CEOs  

French diary giant Danone has announced the appointment of three group deputy chief executives with extended responsibilities as part of its efforts to sharpen the delivery of the Renew Danone Strategy.

Reporting to Antoine de Saint-Affrique, chief executive, the company said the strengthened leadership team will be able to better connect categories and regions and further elevate its ability to perform in the market.

Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta, currently CEO International, is appointed group deputy chief executive, CEO International and EVP Specialized Nutrition, Waters, Global Marketing & Digital. As CEO International, she will oversee Europe, CNAO (China, North Asia, and Oceania) and Rest of the World (CIS, AMEA). In addition, she will be responsible for the Specialized Nutrition and Waters categories, and Global Marketing & Digital.

Shane Grant, current CEO of North America, is appointed group deputy chief executive, CEO Americas and EVP Dairy, Plant-Based and Global Sales. As CEO Americas, he will oversee NORAM (North America) and LATAM (Latin America).  In addition, he will be responsible for the Global Dairy and Plant-Based category (EDP) and Global Customer & Commercial Leadership.

Juergen Esser, current chief financial, technology and data officer, is being appointed group deputy chief executive in charge of Finance, Technology & Data.

“The appointment of three group deputy CEOs with proven expertise and leadership will enable us to further enhance our excellence in execution and better elevate our capabilities and category expertise across the Company,” de Saint-Affrique said.

“This new leadership set-up will lead to faster and better decision-making, greater speed of execution and better connectivity in the path towards sustainable and profitable growth.”

Danone has also announced the appointment of Pablo Perversi as Europe Zone President, and member of the Executive Committee, in replacement of Floris Wesseling, who has decided to leave the company. Nigyar Makhmudova, EVP Chief Growth Officer and a member of the Executive Committee, will also be leaving Danone to pursue professional interests outside of the company.

Within 30 years of food industry experience, Perversi previously held the position of chief innovation, sustainability & quality officer at Barry Callebaut and Vice President Foods Europe and member of the Executive Committee of Unilever Europe.

“I would like to thank both Nigyar and Floris for their commitment to Danone and for their significant contribution over the last years. I wish them every success with their new projects,” de Saint-Affrique said.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee, I would like to welcome Pablo Perversi, a recognised leader whose dynamism and capacity for innovation will be an asset in supporting the Company’s value creation.”

Earlier this week, the company has announced that it would slash planet-warming methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.