Mumbai: Nestlé S.A. has appointed Philipp Navratil as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the culmination of a distinguished career spanning more than two decades within the company. Navratil, who joined Nestlé in 2001, has steadily risen through the ranks across continents and business units, bringing a blend of operational expertise and strategic vision to the top role.
Navratil began his journey as an International Auditor and Audit Team Leader in Vevey, Switzerland, where he led audit assignments in markets including Mexico, Italy, Russia, Japan and China. His early exposure to organizational, financial, and operational areas—as well as M&A—gave him a broad foundation in managing complex global businesses.
In 2005, he transitioned to commercial roles in Panama, spearheading regional marketing for brands like Nido, Klim and Anchor. By 2008, he drove annual sales surpassing USD 210 million and revived Super 99, Panama’s largest supermarket chain, achieving over 20% sales growth after years of decline.
By 2009, Navratil was named Country Manager for Nestlé Honduras, overseeing operations with annual sales above USD 80 million and leading a team of more than 300 employees. His tenure delivered consistent growth, market share gains, and new distribution efficiencies.
In 2013, he moved to Mexico as Vice President for Coffee & Beverages, strengthening Nescafé in one of Nestlé’s most critical markets. His leadership paved the way for his appointment in 2020 as Senior Vice President and Head of the Coffee Strategic Business Unit, where he drove global strategy and innovation for Nescafé and Starbucks coffee brands.
In 2024, Navratil became CEO of Nespresso, where he accelerated growth and bolstered the premium coffee brand’s momentum. He subsequently joined the Nestlé Executive Board in January 2025 before being elevated to CEO of Nestlé S.A. later that year.
A graduate of the University of St. Gallen with an MBA, Navratil is widely recognized for his dynamic leadership, collaborative management style, and track record of delivering results in challenging markets. His career reflects extensive operational experience across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, coupled with strategic leadership in Nestlé’s global coffee businesses.
With Navratil at the helm, Nestlé is expected to continue driving innovation, strengthening its global brand portfolio, and expanding its reach in both emerging and developed markets.
