Danone appoints Antoine de Saint-Affrique as CEO

Danone names Antoine de Saint-Affrique as CEO, effective September 15, 2021. The decision was preceded by a rigorous selection 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 directors also decided to propose Antoine de Saint-Affrique as a new member to the board of
Danone for appointment at the next annual shareholders’ meeting in April 2022.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique joins Danone from global chocolate maker and cocoa processor, Barry Callebaut,
where he was appointed CEO in October 2015. Prior to Barry Callebaut, Antoine de SaintAffrique held a series of senior executive positions at global consumer goods company Unilever, where he led the foods division.

“We [board members] 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,” said Gilles Schnepp, Danone board chair.

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 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.”