Bonnefond is Veuve Clicquot president

Published: 23 July, 2008

First woman CEO

The new president and chief executive officer of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is Ccile Bonnefond. As reported in Harpers (print edition, 1 December) rumours have been rife in Champagne that the appointment was imminent with many predicting that Bonnefond would get the job. Bonnefond is a graduate of the European Business School and currently president and CEO of Brossard, heading Sara Lee, the bakery division of this business in France and Italy. The 44-year-old has also worked for Gervais Danone, Kellogg's and Grand Metropolitan. Philippe Fascal, president director general, said: "I am convinced that such sound experience within international groups, together with her proven leadership, demonstrates Ccile's capability to take up the challenges and strategic ambitions of the Veuve Clicquot group." Champagne author and expert, Tom Stevenson, told Harpers: "It is the first time that any LVMH house - or indeed any grande marque - has hired a woman CEO and quite apt that Veuve should lead the way. "If Ccile Bonnefond is half as successful as Carol Duval of Duval Leroy has been, Veuve Clicquot will continue the onward and upward trend instigated by Joseph Henriot and consolidated seamlessly by Philippe Pascal," Stevenson said.

Printer friendly version