Léon Bel (28 July 1878 – 19 July 1957) was a French businessman.

Léon Bel
Born28 July 1878
Died19 July 1957 (1957-07-20) (aged 78)
Paris, France
OccupationBusinessman
Known forcreated The Laughing Cow cheese brand
Parent(s)Jules Bel
Adèle Odile Colombet

Early life edit

Léon Bel was born on 28 July 1878 in Orgelet in rural France.[1] His father, Jules Bel, was a cheese maker who created the Bel Group.[1][2]

He served in the French Army during World War I.[2]

Career edit

Bel took over the Bel Group from his father.[1] With Swiss cheese makers, he learned how to make cheese that would keep.[2] In 1921, he launched the brand known as The Laughing Cow.[2]

Death edit

He died on 19 July 1957 in Paris, France.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Léon Bel, GeneaNet
  2. ^ a b c d Elsa Bembaron, La Vache qui rit, héroïne de la Première Guerre mondiale, Le Figaro, August 10, 2012