News

Change at the top for Nestlé as it welcomes new leadership roles

Nestlé has welcomed two new CEOs and a new chairman to its board of directors, marking a period of change at the top for the global company.

Philipp Navratil is now Nestlé’s CEO; Alfonso Gonzalez Loeschen will become Nespresso’s CEO and join the group executive board; and Pablo Isla is the company’s new chairman.

The news comes after Nestlé announced in May that it was modifying its nutrition reporting to include “new data” as part of its Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi). Then, in June, the company said it would pilot an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to cut food waste.

Following news of a strategy refocus in July, it said it was considering selling its vitamin, mineral, and supplement (VMS) brands as it sought to steer the company towards higher-margin, science-led brands.

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

A new CEO takes charge

Changes to the food and beverage giant’s leadership setup and questions over its future direction have been prominent in 2025.

Nestlé appointed Navratil with immediate effect after its previous leader, Laurent Frexie, was found to be in breach of its Code of Business Conduct.

The company’s board of directors and outside counsel investigated Frexie’s undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate.

“This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service at Nestlé,” Paul Bulcke, then-chairman of Nestlé, said in September.

Navratil first joined Nestlé in 2001 as an internal auditor. His almost 25-year career with the company has seen him move into various roles in Central America, including country manager for Nestlé Honduras and a leader within its coffee and beverage business in Mexico.

In 2020, he became part of Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, working on the global strategy and future direction of its Nescafé and Starbucks coffee brands. He joined Nespresso in July 2024 and has been a member of Nestlé’s executive board throughout 2025.

“Renowned for his dynamic presence, he inspires teams and leads with a collaborative, inclusive management style,” Bulcke said on his appointment.

Nestlé’s board believes the new CEO will drive its growth and advance its efficiency efforts.

“We are not changing course on strategy, and we will not lose pace on performance,” said Bulcke.

Nespresso welcomes a change in leadership

Currently the CEO of Nespresso North America, Loeschen will become the new head of Nespresso and a member of the Group Executive Board from 1 November.

Since January 2020, Loeschen has been the head of Nespresso’s North American business, which covers the US, Canada, and Mexico. He has worked at Nestlé since 1992, when he joined the company in Mexico as an assistant marketing manager.

He has held numerous leadership positions in the US, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. He has also previously served as vice-president of marketing for the beverage division of Nestlé USA, general manager for Nestlé in Puerto Rico, and chief marketing officer for Nespresso.

“His extensive expertise and deep understanding of the portioned coffee category, along with Alfonso’s results-focused approach and talent to inspire teams, will enable him to drive performance and execution,” said Navratil.

Nestlé’s board of directors gets a new look

As of 1 October, Isla has taken over as chairman of the company following previous chairman Bulcke’s decision to leave his position earlier than planned.

“The outgoing chairman, Paul Bulcke, expresses his confidence in the new leadership to advance Nestlé’s strategy and guide the company with a fresh perspective,” said a spokesperson for Nestlé.

Nestlé’s board of directors is also undergoing changes.

As of 1 October, Dick Boer has assumed the role of lead independent director and vice-chairman, and Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch has taken on the position of vice-chair.