Thank you Danone

What a ride it’s been. 9.5 years ago, I arrived at Danone a young, single ABM eager for my first Brand Manager role--an opportunity I was given on the Evian US business. I leave today a different man: a husband, father of 2, and business leader who’s had the privilege of an incredible decade-long journey.

It was a journey that took me from the US to France to Africa, and back--and from the world of beverages to infant nutrition to dairy. Along the way, I was given the chance to learn to do business in French (thank you Google Translate), problem-solve with bottom-of-pyramid moms in Nigeria, and lead the $600MM Oikos business here in the U.S.--to name just a few highlights. As the time now comes for me to figure out my next exciting challenge, I wanted to thank a few of the many people who gave me this chance and helped shape me as a leader in the process.

Jerome Goure –for hiring me (along with you, Camille Alpi), and for being a truly inspirational leader and sounding board over the years. Fred Guichard, for taking a chance on bringing me to France—it was life changing. Clement Dubreuil, for bearing with my French learning curve (and for our one-on-ones in English, which were a much-needed life raft) and for staying in touch over the years. Benjamin Doyon and Michel Vuillerod, for the opportunity you gave this American to learn the ins and outs of Africa and the world of babies--at a time I was gaining some first-hand experience as a father. Tom Gargiulo, for bringing me back to the US and for being the inspirational leader that guided our department.

 Thank you as well to the GMs I had the privilege of learning so much from – Nick Krzyzaniak, Hendrik Born, Sergio Fuster – and to the HR partners who helped me navigate the waters of a global career—Valentine Beaucamp, Christophe Poisson, Jory Bailey. And to the marketing leadership team here in the US: Amanda Simerman, Carolina Cespedes, Claudia Sargent, Flavia Galvao, Greg Milton, Jeff Rothman, Kallie Goodwin, Prabha Cheemalapati, Suresh Ganapathy -- it’s been a pleasure calling you my colleagues – with a special shout out to Jeff for the mentorship over the years as well.

 And last but certainly not least, thank you to the awesome individuals who I had the chance to call “my team” over the years: Aurelie, Kenza, Lea-Kim, Elodie, Marthe, Marie-Laure, Amber, Jasmine, Julia, Blythe, Sharon, Jimmy, Ben, JJ, Santi, Kim. I have no doubts you will continue to kill it and can’t wait to see you evolve in your own career journeys.