Danone Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Danone has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, human resources, operations, and strategy.

Driven by a mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, Danone focuses on nutrition research and sustainable business practices to create positive impacts for society and the environment.

Leadership Roles at Danone

  • Chief Financial Officer - Freda Vlad
  • Operations Financial Planning Analysis Reporting To The Senior Controller & Chief Financial Officer - Fabio Kanashiro
  • Chief Financial Officer (Mexico) & Vice President, Finance LATAM - Horacio Carugati
  • Chief Financial Officer (China) - Jacques Durand
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff To the President of North America - Diana Cho
  • Chief Information Officer - Erdinc Oren
  • Chief Human Resources Officer, Danone Türkiye, Central Asia, Caucasus - Sevil Yılmaz
  • Chief Information Officer (Brazil) & Digital For Chief (Americas Region) - Leonardo Sotocorno
  • Chief of Staff (Mexico) & Director, Consumer Centricity - Gina Perez
  • Global Strategy Danone Specialized Nutrition Chief of Staff - Hany Saad
  • Freda Vlad - Chief Financial Officer

    Freda Vlad, the Chief Financial Officer at Danone, directs global financial strategy and oversight. Vlad manages all financial planning, reporting, and investment activities, ensuring fiscal health and driving profitability across the company's diverse business units. This leadership role involves optimizing capital allocation and managing financial risks to support Danone's long-term growth objectives. Vlad's financial acumen is critical for maintaining investor confidence and executing strategic acquisitions or divestitures. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with all financial regulations and drives efficiency in financial operations worldwide. Freda Vlad's strategic financial management underpins the company's ability to innovate and expand its health-focused food offerings globally, aligning with Danone's mission to create value for both shareholders and society.

    Fabio Kanashiro - Operations Financial Planning Analysis Reporting To The Senior Controller & Chief Financial Officer

    Fabio Kanashiro, the Operations Financial Planning Analysis Reporting To The Senior Controller & Chief Financial Officer at Danone, provides critical financial insights for operational decision-making. Kanashiro leads the financial planning and analysis functions, focusing on optimizing operational performance and resource allocation across Danone's manufacturing and supply chain operations. This role is essential for translating business strategies into actionable financial plans and performance metrics. The Operations Financial Planning Analysis Reporting To The Senior Controller & Chief Financial Officer ensures accurate forecasting and reporting, supporting the Senior Controller and Chief Financial Officer in strategic financial management. Fabio Kanashiro's detailed financial analysis directly supports Danone's commitment to efficient, sustainable business practices and its mission to deliver health through food.

    Horacio Carugati - Chief Financial Officer (Mexico) & Vice President, Finance LATAM

    Horacio Carugati, the Chief Financial Officer (Mexico) & Vice President, Finance LATAM at Danone, directs financial operations and strategy for Mexico and the wider Latin America region. Carugati oversees all financial planning, reporting, and fiscal management, ensuring robust financial health and driving profitable growth across LATAM markets. This executive position is key to implementing Danone's global financial objectives within the specific economic landscapes of the region. The Chief Financial Officer (Mexico) & Vice President, Finance LATAM guides investment decisions and manages financial risks to support sustainable business practices. Horacio Carugati's financial leadership is instrumental in advancing Danone's mission to bring health through food to consumers throughout Latin America.

    Jacques Durand - Chief Financial Officer (China)

    Jacques Durand, the Chief Financial Officer (China) at Danone, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the company's significant presence in China. Durand manages financial reporting, budgeting, and investment analysis, ensuring fiscal discipline and driving financial performance in one of Danone's key global markets. This leadership role is crucial for navigating the complexities of the Chinese market and supporting Danone's growth objectives. The Chief Financial Officer (China) ensures compliance with local financial regulations and contributes to the overall financial health of the organization. Jacques Durand's financial expertise is vital for advancing Danone's mission to bring health through food to consumers in China and globally.

    Diana Cho - Vice President, Chief of Staff To the President of North America

    Diana Cho, the Vice President, Chief of Staff To the President of North America at Danone, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the North American leadership team. Cho facilitates key initiatives, drives cross-functional collaboration, and ensures effective execution of the President's strategic priorities across the region. This role is critical in optimizing organizational effectiveness and accelerating business performance in the vital North American market. The Vice President, Chief of Staff To the President of North America manages special projects and drives alignment with Danone's global mission. Diana Cho's strategic partnership enhances Danone's ability to deliver health through food and sustainable business practices throughout North America.

    Erdinc Oren - Chief Information Officer

    Erdinc Oren, the Chief Information Officer at Danone, architects the company's global technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Oren oversees all IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management systems, ensuring operational efficiency and robust data security across Danone's worldwide operations. This role is pivotal in leveraging technology to enhance business processes, support product innovation, and drive consumer engagement. The Chief Information Officer champions the adoption of new digital tools and platforms to streamline operations and improve decision-making. Erdinc Oren's leadership ensures that Danone's technological capabilities align with its mission to deliver health through food, enabling seamless integration of digital solutions across its dairy, plant-based, water, and nutrition businesses.

    Sevil Yılmaz - Chief Human Resources Officer, Danone Türkiye, Central Asia, Caucasus

    Sevil Yılmaz, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Danone Türkiye, Central Asia, Caucasus at Danone, leads all human capital strategies for the specified regions. Yılmaz focuses on talent acquisition, development, and retention, fostering a culture that supports Danone's mission of health through food. This executive role involves implementing HR policies that promote employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a motivated and skilled workforce. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational effectiveness and employee engagement initiatives tailored to the unique market dynamics of Türkiye, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Sevil Yılmaz's strategic HR leadership is essential for building high-performing teams that contribute to Danone's sustainable growth and positive societal impact in these key territories.
    Sevil Yılmaz

    Leonardo Sotocorno - Chief Information Officer (Brazil) & Digital For Chief (Americas Region)

    Leonardo Sotocorno, the Chief Information Officer (Brazil) & Digital For Chief (Americas Region) at Danone, spearheads technology and digital strategy across Brazil and the broader Americas region. Sotocorno directs the implementation of IT solutions and digital platforms that enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth in these critical markets. This dual role involves overseeing IT infrastructure in Brazil while also leading digital transformation efforts for the Americas, ensuring alignment with Danone's global objectives. The Chief Information Officer & Digital For Chief champions innovation in digital technologies to support Danone's diverse product portfolio, from dairy and plant-based items to packaged waters and infant nutrition. Leonardo Sotocorno's leadership ensures technological advancements contribute directly to Danone's mission of bringing health through food to consumers across the Americas.

    Gina Perez - Chief of Staff (Mexico) & Director, Consumer Centricity

    Gina Perez, the Chief of Staff (Mexico) & Director, Consumer Centricity at Danone, drives strategic initiatives and enhances consumer focus within the Mexican operations. Perez supports the executive leadership in Mexico by coordinating key projects and ensuring alignment with Danone's overarching mission and business objectives. This role involves translating consumer insights into actionable strategies that enhance product development and market positioning. The Chief of Staff (Mexico) & Director, Consumer Centricity champions a consumer-centric approach across all functions, ensuring Danone's offerings meet evolving consumer needs for health and wellness. Gina Perez's leadership strengthens Danone's connection with its consumers in Mexico, reinforcing its commitment to health through food.

    Hany Saad - Global Strategy Danone Specialized Nutrition Chief of Staff

    Hany Saad, the Global Strategy Danone Specialized Nutrition Chief of Staff at Danone, drives strategic planning and execution for the Specialized Nutrition division worldwide. Saad supports the global leadership in defining and implementing strategies that advance Danone's mission in infant nutrition and medical nutrition. This executive function involves coordinating strategic projects, analyzing market trends, and ensuring alignment across global teams. The Global Strategy Danone Specialized Nutrition Chief of Staff plays a key part in identifying growth opportunities and enhancing operational efficiency within this critical business segment. Hany Saad's strategic focus ensures Danone Specialized Nutrition continues to lead in providing essential health-focused food solutions globally.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Food & Beverage

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Danone Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Danone?
    Danone is led by Freda Vlad (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Fabio Kanashiro (Operations Financial Planning Analysis Reporting To The Senior Controller & Chief Financial Officer) and Horacio Carugati (Chief Financial Officer (Mexico) & Vice President, Finance LATAM).
    Who is part of Danone’s executive team?
    The executive team of Danone includes leaders such as Freda Vlad (Chief Financial Officer), Fabio Kanashiro (Operations Financial Planning Analysis Reporting To The Senior Controller & Chief Financial Officer), Horacio Carugati (Chief Financial Officer (Mexico) & Vice President, Finance LATAM) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Danone have?
    Danone has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Danone’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Danone includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Operations Financial Planning Analysis Reporting To The Senior Controller & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Mexico) & Vice President, Finance LATAM, Chief Financial Officer (China), Vice President, Chief of Staff To the President of North America.