Nestlé’s chairman Paul Bulcke will step down from the board earlier than originally planned, with vice chairman Pablo Isla set to assume the role, effective October 1.
The accelerated leadership transition follows a period of internal disruption at the company, including the recent dismissal of CEO Laurent Freixe earlier this month for violating company policy regarding an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate.
Bulcke, who has been chairman since 2017 and spent nearly five decades in leadership roles at Nestlé, said he fully supports the new leadership and believes this is the right time to pass the baton.
“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. I wish the entire Nestlé family every success in the future,” he said.
As part of the board reshuffle, Marie‑Gabrielle Ineichen‑Fleisch has also been appointed vice chair of the board of directors, joining Dick Boer, who was recently named lead independent director and vice chairman.
