LeaderPortfolio
Beauvalot
Marie Besnier Beauvalot
Rank #399
FRANCEFood & BeverageCheese

Marie Besnier Beauvalot

Net Worth
$8.878B
0% (24h)
Marie Besnier Beauvalot is a French billionaire heiress, a major shareholder of the world's largest dairy conglomerate, Lactalis. Born in Laval, France, on July 30, 1980, she inherited her stake in the family-owned company alongside her two brothers, Emmanuel and Jean-Michel, following their father's death in 2000. With an estimated net worth of $10.8 billion as of March 2026, Marie has a strong commitment to the dairy industry and supports various charitable organizations. She resides in Laval, where Lactalis is headquartered, and maintains a private lifestyle.

How to read Marie Besnier Beauvalot's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Marie Besnier Beauvalot, we anchor the narrative to Cheese and Cheese, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $8.878B alongside global rank #399, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (FRANCE) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Marie Besnier Beauvalot was born in Laval, France, on July 30, 1980. She is the daughter of Michel Besnier, the former CEO of Lactalis, and Christiane Besnier. Her grandfather, André Besnier, founded the Besnier Group, which later became Lactalis, in 1933. Growing up in Laval, she was immersed in the world of dairy and cheesemaking.

Rise to Success

After her father's death in 2000, Marie, along with her two brothers, inherited their family's stake in Lactalis. She holds an estimated 21% ownership of the company, contributing significantly to her wealth. While the exact details of her professional roles are kept private, her involvement in Lactalis has been pivotal to the company's global expansion and success. Lactalis is the largest dairy producer in Europe and one of the largest globally.

Key Business Strategies

Marie Besnier Beauvalot has been involved in the strategic decisions that have led Lactalis to expand its global presence. Lactalis has expanded operations into markets in China and Southeast Asia. The company's growth is fueled by successive generations of leadership. Emmanuel Besnier, her brother, is the current CEO.

Philanthropy

Marie Besnier Beauvalot is known for her philanthropic efforts. She supports charitable organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting health and nutrition. Notably, she is involved with the Milk for Good endowment fund, which has supported the La Source association, and helped set up France's first integrated pediatric oncology center with the Curie Institute in Paris.

Career Timeline

2000

Inherited Lactalis

Inherited her stake in the family-owned dairy company Lactalis with her two brothers.

Philanthropic Impact

Health and NutritionUnknown

Milk for Good endowment fund

Supports the La Source association offering art workshops and the Curie Institute.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Lactalis21.00%$7.5M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Marie Besnier Beauvalot was born in Laval, France, on July 30, 1980. She is the daughter of Michel Besnier, the former CEO of Lactalis, and Christiane Besnier. Her grandfather, André Besnier, founded the Besnier Group, which later became Lactalis, in 1933. Growing up in Laval, she was immersed in the world of dairy and cheesemaking.

Rise to Success

After her father's death in 2000, Marie, along with her two brothers, inherited their family's stake in Lactalis. She holds an estimated 21% ownership of the company, contributing significantly to her wealth. While the exact details of her professional roles are kept private, her involvement in Lactalis has been pivotal to the company's global expansion and success. Lactalis is the largest dairy producer in Europe and one of the largest globally.

Key Business Strategies

Marie Besnier Beauvalot has been involved in the strategic decisions that have led Lactalis to expand its global presence. Lactalis has expanded operations into markets in China and Southeast Asia. The company's growth is fueled by successive generations of leadership. Emmanuel Besnier, her brother, is the current CEO.

Philanthropy

Marie Besnier Beauvalot is known for her philanthropic efforts. She supports charitable organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting health and nutrition. Notably, she is involved with the Milk for Good endowment fund, which has supported the La Source association, and helped set up France's first integrated pediatric oncology center with the Curie Institute in Paris.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Marie Besnier Beauvalot are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.