Godiva, renowned for its luxurious chocolates, has welcomed Steve Lesnard as its new president, a move aimed at propelling the brand into its next era of growth. Concurrently, Lesnard’s strategic acumen is also being leveraged at Guayakí Yerba Mate, where he has been appointed as a Board Director, fortifying the leadership team with his extensive experience in global brand management.
At Godiva, Lesnard steps into a role primed for transformation, tasked with expanding the brand’s global presence with a strategic focus on major markets such as the United States and China. His background is rich, and he has had significant roles in enhancing brand strategies and market penetration across various consumer sectors. Most notably, his leadership at Sephora as the global chief brand officer saw the cosmetics giant achieve robust post-pandemic growth, showcasing his capability to steer companies through critical growth phases.
Lesnard’s new role at Godiva is pivotal as the chocolate industry grapples with rising cocoa prices and stiff competition from both established players and emerging health-conscious brands. His strategy encompasses leveraging Godiva’s premium positioning to enhance its worldwide market share and consumer appeal. This involves tapping into advanced R&D and extensive retail networks provided by Godiva’s parent company, Pladis.
In parallel, Lesnard’s expertise in brand dynamics and consumer engagement will be invaluable at Guayakí Yerba Mate, which has recently welcomed Benjamin Mand as its new CEO. Guayakí, a leader in the yerba mate beverage sector, is known for its commitment to sustainable and regenerative business practices. Lesnard joins the board at a transformative time for Guayakí, as the company seeks to expand its distribution networks and innovate with new product offerings like the low-sugar, low-calorie Berry Lemonade.
Robyn Rutledge, now Board Executive Chair at Guayakí, praised the new appointments, highlighting the strategic importance of seasoned leaders like Lesnard in steering the company toward its vision of sustainable growth. Rutledge remarked on the company’s mission to lead in regenerative practices and organic products, underscoring Guayakí’s role as a pioneer in the yerba mate category.
Steve Lesnard’s dual roles at Godiva and Guayakí underscore his broad expertise and adaptability in leading brands across diverse industries. At Godiva, he aims to reinforce the brand’s luxury status and expand its market reach. Meanwhile, at Guayakí, his guidance on the board is anticipated to enhance strategic decisions, driving forward the company’s sustainability and community impact mission.
This dynamic positioning in two distinct industries demonstrates Lesnard’s versatility and commitment to fostering growth and innovation. As he takes on these crucial roles, the industry watches eagerly to see how his visions will manifest into success for both Godiva and Guayakí, shaping the future of luxury chocolates and sustainable beverages.
