Danone gains Axa's general counsel

French financial services giant AXA has lost its general counsel of 13 years to food company Groupe Danone.

Christianne Butte has resigned her post to join Danone as general counsel. During her 13 years at the company Butte led a well-respected corporate team at the financial services group and will be replaced by her deputy George Stansfield.

Danone plans to further bolster its in-house legal group and is looking to add its first internal lawyer in the UK.

She replaces Luc Delaby, who has departed to launch his own consultancy.