Cécile Bonnefond
Business, Leadership & Motivational Speaker
Biography
Cécile Bonnefond made history back in 2001 when Veuve Clicquot appointed her CEO – she was the first ever female global leader of a grande marque. Certainly other women have run top Champagne houses, most famously Madame Clicquot, but all have inherited the business. Bonnefond on the other hand worked her way into the Champagne business and has already made a marked impact on it. She calls herself a "FCG Animal, turned into a worldwide Luxury Lady".
Bonnefond is a graduate of the European Business School and prior to joining LVMH, owners of Veuve Clicquot, she spent five years in marketing with the Danone Group, ten years with the Kellogg Corporation as marketing manager for France, two years with Grand Metropolitan (now Diageo) and three with the Sara Lee Group, as CEO of bakery activities in France and Italy.
During her ten-year period with Kellogg's, she held growing responsibilities across Europe, in Sales, Marketing and General Management in France, Benelux, UK, Italy and Hellenic. Kellogg, founded by Doctor Kellogg, was at the forefront of nutrition and health.
She was appointed president and CEO of Veuve Clicquot on 1 January 2001 and has been the driving force behind the marque's massive growth in the US and UK, as well as, the recent launch of a Veuve Clicquot rosé, for which the Eiffel Tower was lit pink. As the judges said: "Veuve is doing a fantastic job in the on-and off-trade and its marketing is brilliant." They cited marketing initiatives such as the innovative Veuve origami ice bucket, yellow insulating jacket and ladies' handbag with bottle. One judge summed her success up by saying: "Veuve is an incredible brand and Bonnefond is leading it." Hence, she was unanimously voted by the judges as the drinks business awards Woman of the Year.
In her current role, she ensures that the motto "only one quality, the finest" is fully expressed, in every aspect of the business and the culture – the "Clicquot Touch", a special way of behaving, acting and living with customers and consumers, so dear to Madame Clicquot. The "Clicquot Twist" is that pinch of daring innovation, fun and happiness added to a wine which remains totally loyal to its 230 years of tradition.
Expertise
Topics : "Brand Development", "Company Development – Restructuring", "Leadership"
Work hard yourself, "manage"….
Yes… it is the minimum!
Be hands on, Know the job,
set the pace, be credible,
be reliable…
Offer your time, show the way, empower,
listen
You can only give what you have
"Lead"…" hard and soft"….
Do your best every day, Fight for perfection.
Yes…
Do your best, demand the best.
Challenge organisations, processes, people…
You are not perfect….Accept it…work on it
No one is… Accept it… but help, encourage
The world is neither…Accept it …work on it
Challenge hard… and stay wise enough
Fit your environment….
Yes…
Pick the right environment for yourself.
You are chosen for your difference.
Make it a preference.
You will be judged on what you've changed…
For more information on Cécile Bonnefond and booking inquiries
please get in contact by email:
office@international-business-speakers.com
or call +43 (0)1 740 40 80 20