Quick Facts
Biography
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.
Early life
Michel Besnier was born on September 18, 1928 in Laval, Mayenne. His father, André Besnier, founded the Besnier Group, a cheese company, in 1933. He received a Certificat d'études primaires.
Career
Besnier started his career at the family business alongside his father in 1946. After his father died in 1955, he became its Chief Executive Officer.
He launched Président, the brand of camembert, in 1968. He also acquired Lepetit, Lanquetot, puis Bridel, Lactel and Roquefort Société. His success lay in his ability to predict the vast expansion of supermarkets.
He changed the company name to Lactalis in 1999.
Personal life
He married Christiane Besnier. They had two sons, Emmanuel and Jean-Michel, and a daughter, Marie. They owned a house in Marbella, Spain.
Death
He died on June 11, 2000 at his Marbella home. He was seventy-one years old.