How Nestlé’s New CEO Plans to Move the Brand Forward

Since taking charge earlier this month, Nestlé CEO Philipp Bravratil has said he wants the Swiss food company to move fast and be open to fresh ideas, making his first public comments in the new role on 18 September.

“What can each of us do to make Nestlé better, smarter and faster?” he shared in a post on LinkedIn after a global staff event.

He added that together the Nestlé team are “moving fast, open to fresh ideas on how we deliver the future of tasty, healthy, affordable food”.

Taking the role of CEO

Philipp was appointed CEO of Nestlé on 1 September, following the Board of Directors’ decision to dismiss Laurent Freixe with immediate effect.

Nestlé said the departure of Laurent followed an investigation into an “undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate which breached Nestlé’s Code of Business Conduct”.

Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the food company at the time of the investigation, said: “This was a necessary decision. Nestlé's values and governance are strong foundations of our company.”

Discussing Phillip’s appointment to the role, he said he “is recognised for his impressive track record of achieving results in challenging environments. 

“Renowned for his dynamic presence, he inspires teams and leads with a collaborative, inclusive management style.

“The Board is confident that he will drive our growth plans forward and accelerate efficiency efforts. We are not changing course on strategy and we will not lose pace on performance.”

Nestle’s turbulent year

The Swiss company has had multiple changes to its leadership in 2025.

Commencing 1 January, the Board of Directors approved changes to the company’s organisation alongside changes to its Executive Board. These included:

• Zone Latin America (LATAM) and Zone North America (NA) merged to form Zone Americas (AMS), led by Steve Presley
• Zone Greater China Region (GCR) became part of Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA), under the leadership of Remy Ejel
• David Zhang stepped down from the Executive Board but remained CEO of the Greater China Region

Regarding the changes, Laurent said at the time: “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.”

Chairman changes

Just a few weeks after the introduction of Phillip to the role of CEO, Nestlé announced on 16 September that Pablo Isla will become the new Chairman effective 1 October, following Paul’s decision to step down from the Board earlier than planned.

Nestlé announced succession for the Chair of the Board on 18 June, stating that Paul would not stand for re-election at the company’s AGM on 16 April 2026.

Referencing his earlier-than-planned departure, Paul said: “I have full trust in Nestlé’s new leadership and firmly believe that this great company is well positioned for the future. 

“This is the right moment for me to step aside and accelerate the planned transition, allowing Pablo and Philipp to advance Nestlé’s strategy and guide the company with a fresh perspective.”

Pablo, the newly elected Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Paul for his leadership and unwavering dedication to Nestlé.

“Paul’s wisdom and commitment have shaped the company and laid the groundwork for our next chapter.”

Nestlé’s focus on strategic direction and performance

With a career of almost 15 years at Nestlé, Philipp has grown from an internal auditor in 2001 to the CEO of Nespresso in July 2024.

Citing performance in his most recent role, Nestlé said he “accelerated growth and built strong momentum”.

Philipp added: “I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me, and it is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading Nestlé into the future. 

“I fully embrace the company's strategic direction, as well as the action plan in place to drive Nestlé's performance. 

“I look forward to working closely with the entire leadership of the company, in alignment with the Board, Chairman Paul Bulcke, and Chairman-Designate Pablo Isla, to accelerate execution and to drive the value creation plan with intensity."