Nestlé announces the retirement of Sanjay Bahadur

SWITZERLAND – Nestlé has announced the retirement of Sanjay Bahadur, executive vice president and head of group strategy and business development, effective at the end of December 2025.

Bahadur’s departure marks the conclusion of a notable 40-year career with the company, during which he held pivotal roles across various markets including India, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Turkey and China.

In his current capacity, Bahadur has played a crucial role in shaping Nestlé’s strategic direction. His responsibilities encompassed portfolio management, mergers and acquisitions, and establishing external partnerships and licensing agreements.

Under his leadership, the company has navigated complex market dynamics and executed significant M&A transactions, bolstering its position in the competitive food and beverage landscape.

Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestlé, expressed gratitude for Bahadur’s extensive contributions: “On behalf of everyone at the company, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Sanjay for his many contributions to Nestlé. He consistently demonstrated uncompromising integrity and a humble approach to leadership, fostering trust and collaboration across the organisation.”

As Bahadur transitions into retirement, the M&A function will be reassigned to CFO Anna Manz, indicating a strategic shift in how Nestlé will approach future acquisitions and partnerships.

Nestlé chairman Paul Bulcke steps down, Pablo Isla takes over

Recently, the Board of Directors of Nestlé S.A. announced that Pablo Isla will become Chairman, following Paul Bulcke’s decision to step down from the Board earlier than planned.

After nearly 50 years of service, including 14 years on the Executive Board, almost nine years as CEO , and nine years as Chairman, Paul Bulcke has decided to step down.

Paul Bulcke joined Nestlé in 1979 and was appointed to the Executive Board in 2004, responsible for Zone Americas.

He was elected a member of the Board of Directors in 2008 and served as the company’s CEO from 2008 to 2016 and as Chairman of the Board since April 2017.

Paul Bulcke, Chairman of Nestlé, expressed his complete confidence in the new leadership of the company and stated that he firmly believed Nestlé was well-positioned for the future.

He mentioned that it was the appropriate time for him to step aside and accelerate the planned transition, enabling Pablo and Philipp to drive Nestlé’s strategy forward and lead the company with a fresh perspective.

Pablo Isla, CEO of Inditex from 2005 to 2011 and Chairman and CEO of Inditex from 2011 to 2022, joined Nestlé’s Board of Directors in 2018.

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