E mmanuel Besnier is a French billionaire who is the CEO and controlling shareholder of Lactalis, the world's largest dairy products group. He is often referred to as "the invisible billionaire" for his extreme aversion to the public spotlight, having almost never given an interview or been photographed publicly. He inherited the company, which was founded by his grandfather, after the sudden death of his father, Michel Besnier, in 2000.

Under his leadership, Besnier has aggressively expanded Lactalis from a French national champion into a global dairy behemoth through a series of major international acquisitions. The company's portfolio of well-known brands includes Président cheese, Lactel milk, and the Italian dairy giant Parmalat, which he acquired in a high-profile takeover. The company remains privately held by him and his siblings, and is known for its tough business practices and its culture of secrecy, a reflection of its leader's personality.