2006 Awards Winner – Woman of the Year

Cécile Bonnefond, president and CEO, Veuve Clicquot

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.

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 and three with the Sara Lee Group, as CEO of bakery activities in France and Italy.
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.

The Shortlist 2006

Jean Coussins, The Portman Group
An impressive and widely respected woman, who has led the drinks industry in addressing the challenging and
complex issue of social responsibility. Coussins sits on a number of councils and is a member of the Cabinet
Office’s Alcohol Advisory Group.

Sarah Kemp, Decanter Magazine
A publisher who has built Decanter’s reputation worldwide, developing a significant following for the title in the US, establishing the Fine Wine Encounter and launching the Decanter awards, which attracted 4,000 entries in its first year.

Angela Mount, Somerfield
Lovable and glamourous Somerfield supermarket buyer who has had a huge impact on the quality and range of this retailer’s wines over the years. Recognised for her leadership qualities and vision, Mount was a strong candidate.

Elena Yanovna Sorokina, OST-Group
One of the largest drinks producers in Russia, the OST-Group has a number of vodka brands and operations in various industry-related fields, as well as a joint venture with PepsiCo. Sorokina worked her way up through the company, taking the reigns in 2003 and has ensured a steady increase in exports and long-term company growth since then.

© db May 2006