Industry Movers: Danone, Avon, RB & Eagle Genomics

With the World Cup only 16 months away, NutraIngredients rounds up those who have stepped up and successfully scored a new position in the food and nutrition industry.

Danone has announced the appointment of Antoine de Saint-Affrique as Chief Executive Officer, taking over from the joint interim leadership of Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta and Shane Grant.

Effective from September, de Saint-Affrique, who joins from chocolate maker Barry Callebaut, is also expected to join Danone’s Board, subject to discussions at the next annual shareholders’ meeting in April 2022.

“I am proud and honoured to join and soon lead a company which has always been an inspiration for me,”​ says de Saint-Affrique

“I have tremendous admiration for Danone’s strong and innovative portfolio of brands that have brought health through food to people around the world for so long ​

“I believe Danone has significant potential to continue to shape and contribute to how people eat and drink globally, and I am looking forward to, together with all Danoners, the Executive Committee and the Board, writing our next chapter of growth and further progressing Danone’s Mission.“​

Avon’s new nutrition ambassador​

Meanwhile, over at Avon, Frances Largeman-Roth becomes the UK cosmetic firm’s new Nutrition and Wellness Brand Ambassador.

Largeman-Roth will represent Avon's new re:tune Inner Beauty collection of supplements that help maintain a healthy, radiant appearance.

"I am thrilled to be working with such a legendary brand like Avon,"​ says Largeman-Roth "Avon has always been a trusted go-to for many women's beauty needs for years. ​

“I am so proud to partner with Avon as I strive to work with brands that I believe in, where I truly value their products and business philosophy. ​

“I am honoured to connect with all the amazing Avon Representatives and be a part of their health and wellness journeys."​

The re:tune Inner Beauty range includes a Collagen Booster, a powdered mix of collagen peptides that support healthy collagen production for firmer-looking skin and Hair, Skin & Nail Health tablets with antioxidants that enhance skin firmness and healthier hair and nails.

"We are excited that Frances has chosen to work with us,"​ adds Avon CEO Paul Yi. "She has seen first-hand how important it is to have quality nutritional supplements for women. ​

“We are pleased Frances will be representing Avon, sharing our products and educating our Representatives and their customers with her expertise."  ​

Reckitt Benckiser​

Reckitt Benckiser's President of Nutrition, e-RB and Greater China, Aditya Sehgal​ is to leave the firm, effective end of October 2021.

The UK multinational said that during his 27-year career with the company Sehgal had a positive impact on many people, teams and businesses across hygiene, health and, more recently, nutrition.

“We thank Adi for his contribution and wish him well on the next stage of his journey. We will make an announcement regarding Adi’s replacement in due course,”​ the firm added in a brief statement.

Eagle Genomics​

Finally, Eagle Genomics, which specialise in microbiome-based product development, has appointed David Bennett, as VP of Commercial Operations.

Also joining the UK-based firm is Sandra Bläser as the new VP of Customer Success, where her role entails working with blue-chip clients across food & nutrition, beauty & personal care, AgBio and biopharma, to deliver technologies into their respective markets.

"We are thrilled to be attracting such accomplished people to an already-strong and well-rounded team at such a pivotal point in our growth, which is being driven by our customers and their demand for an enterprise platform to support new product innovation as part of the Bio Revolution,"​ said Anthony Finbow, Eagle Genomics' CEO.