Michel Besnier (1928–2000) was a French heir and businessman. He served as the chief executive officer of the Besnier Group, later known as Lactalis.

Michel Besnier
Born(1928-09-18)18 September 1928
Died11 June 2000(2000-06-11) (aged 71)
NationalityFrench
SpouseChristiane Besnier
ChildrenEmmanuel Besnier
Jean-Michel Besnier
Marie Besnier Beauvalot
ParentAndré Besnier

Early life edit

Michel Besnier was born on 18 September 1928 in Laval, Mayenne.[1] His father, André Besnier, founded the Besnier Group, a cheese company, in 1933.[2] He received a Certificat d'études primaires.[3]

Career edit

 
Président camembert.

Besnier started his career at the family business alongside his father in 1946.[1] After his father died in 1955, he became its chief executive officer.[2]

He launched Président, the brand of camembert, in 1968.[3] He also acquired Lepetit, Lanquetot, puis Bridel, Lactel and Roquefort Société.[3] His success lay in his ability to predict the vast expansion of supermarkets.[3]

He changed the company name to Lactalis in 1999.[2]

Personal life edit

He married Christiane Besnier.[3] They had two sons, Emmanuel and Jean-Michel, and a daughter, Marie.[2][3] They owned a house in Marbella, Spain.[3]

Death edit

He died on 11 June 2000 at his Marbella home.[2][3] He was seventy-one years old.

References edit