WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Gustavo Valle has been named president and chief executive officer of The Dannon Co. effective April 1. Mr. Valle is currently c.e.o. of Danone Brazil. Both companies are subsidiaries of Groupe Danone, Paris.

Mr. Valle replaces Juan Carlos Dalto, who, after nearly five years as president and c.e.o. of The Dannon Co., has decided to pursue a career in international strategic consulting, according to the company.

Mr. Valle started his career within Danone in Argentina in 1996 as vice-president of finance, where he evolved to become c.e.o. of Danone Waters in Argentina in 2002. In 2004, he became c.e.o. of Danone Brazil. In both businesses, Valle achieved significant success in top-line growth and profitability.

As president and c.e.o. of The Dannon Co., Mr. Valle will report to Dirk Van de Put, executive vice-president of the Danone Americas Region.