1. Challenge:
Danone, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, was undergoing a significant transformation through their “Danone Renew” program – a comprehensive strategy to renew who they are, what they do, and how they operate. As part of this transformation, science and innovation became central pillars supporting brand innovation and market credibility.

To support this strategic shift, Danone needed to find an exceptional Communications Director who could effectively bridge the gap between complex scientific content and accessible communication for diverse audiences. The role required someone who could work seamlessly with senior executive leadership while navigating the complexities of a matrix organization across multiple stakeholders.

The position presented unique challenges: the successful candidate would need to translate sophisticated scientific concepts into compelling narratives for media, investors, and the broader public, while maintaining the rigor and credibility that Danone’s scientific reputation demanded.

The ideal candidate for Danone’s Communications Director position required a distinctive combination of scientific acumen, communication excellence, and senior stakeholder management capabilities.

The successful candidate also needed to demonstrate exceptional agility and the ability to “read the room” – crucial skills for managing the delicate balance between structured processes and the flexibility required in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

3. The Search Process:
Understanding the critical importance of this role to Danone’s transformation, LS International leveraged their extensive experience working with the company over seven years and deep expertise in the life sciences sector.

The search began with comprehensive stakeholder alignment, including detailed calibration sessions with Danone’s leadership team to understand the nuanced requirements of supporting a COMEX member while collaborating effectively with corporate communications teams.

LS International’s systematic approach involved identifying candidates who could demonstrate both the technical depth to understand complex scientific topics and the communication sophistication to make them accessible to diverse audiences. The firm’s understanding of Danone’s culture and values proved invaluable in identifying candidates who would thrive in the organization’s mission-driven environment.

Throughout the process, LS International maintained close collaboration with Danone’s internal teams, ensuring alignment on priorities and providing regular updates on candidate progress. The firm’s ability to engage high-caliber candidates and maintain their interest through a comprehensive evaluation process was crucial to the search’s success.

4. The Outcome:
LS International successfully identified and placed an exceptional leader who brought the perfect combination of scientific understanding, communication expertise, and cultural fit required for this transformational role.

The successful candidate demonstrated the structured thinking and scientific mindset necessary to work effectively with Danone’s technical teams while possessing the communication sophistication to translate complex concepts for external audiences. Their experience in similar matrix organizations and proven ability to manage senior stakeholder relationships made them ideally suited for the role’s demands.

The placement highlighted several critical elements that contributed to the search’s success:

– Cultural Intelligence: Understanding Danone’s unique culture and the importance of mission alignment in candidate selection proved essential for identifying the right fit.

– Stakeholder Management: The successful candidate’s proven ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and work effectively with senior executives was crucial for success in this high-visibility role.

– Scientific Communication: The balance between technical depth and communication accessibility was perfectly embodied in the final candidate, ensuring effective bridge-building between scientific teams and external audiences.

– Matrix Organization Experience: The candidate’s prior experience in similar organizational structures enabled them to quickly adapt to Danone’s collaborative but complex operating model.

Key Learnings:
This engagement reinforced the importance of deep industry knowledge in executive search, particularly in specialized fields where technical understanding and communication skills must coexist. LS International’s seven-year relationship with Danone provided invaluable insights into the company’s culture and transformation journey.

The search demonstrated the critical value of comprehensive stakeholder alignment in complex organizational environments. By ensuring clear understanding of role requirements across multiple internal teams, LS International was able to identify candidates who could succeed in the multifaceted nature of the position.

Furthermore, this case highlighted the importance of mission-driven candidate selection. In organizations undergoing transformation, finding leaders who genuinely connect with the company’s purpose and values is essential for long-term success.

At LS International, we specialize in identifying transformational leaders for complex, mission-critical roles in the life sciences and consumer goods sectors. Our systematic approach, combined with deep industry insights and extensive networks, enables us to deliver exceptional talent solutions for the most challenging leadership positions.