Nestlé has announced a number of structural and leadership changes, coming into effect on January 1, 2025.
The changes include Zone Greater China Region (GCR) becoming part of Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa (AOA) under the leadership of Remy Ejel, with David Zhang stepping down from the Executive Board and remaining Chairman and CEO of the CGR.
Zone Latin America (LATAM) and Zone North America (NA) will merge to form Zone Americas (AMS), which will be led by Steve Presley. He will relocate to Nestlé’s headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland.
Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé, said they will continue to build on the strengths of its Market Heads to ensure consistent in-market execution across the Group.
“A leaner Executive Board structure and close collaboration of the leadership team at the headquarters will increase simplicity, speed up decision-making and strengthen the momentum behind global initiatives.”
Bernard Meunier has decided to step down from the Executive Board on March 31, 2025, and will lead strategic projects for the Group. David Rennie, currently Head of Nestlé Coffee Brands will succeed Bernard Meunier as the Head of Strategic Business Units (SBUs) and Marketing and Sales. Nestlé Coffee Brands, with the exception of Nespresso, will be integrated into the SBU organization.
Béatrice Guillaume-Grabisch, Head of Human Resources and Business Services, has decided to step down and to pursue new professional opportunities. Anna Lenz, currently Country Manager of Nestlé Portugal, will lead Human Resources. She will join the Executive Board.
Chris Wright, Chief Information Officer, responsible for all information technology and digitalization, will now report to the Nestlé CEO without holding a position on the Executive Board. Hans-Ulrich Mayer will remain in charge of Business Services and report to CFO Anna Manz.
“With these organisational changes, all the leaders of key units driving our performance, and our transformation will now report directly to me. This is crucial, as we sharpen our focus on consumers and customers and restore investment in our brands and in innovation to expand market share and accelerate our performance.
“Going forward, we are also placing a greater emphasis on Nestlé’s digital transformation into a real-time, end-to-end connected, data- and AI-powered organisation. I am confident these changes will optimally position Nestlé for future success,” said Freixe.
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