Nestlé has announced the current Chairman of the Board of Directors, Paul Bulcke, will not stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 16 April 2026.
After nine years as Chairman, Bulcke has decided to step down from his current role at the company. The decision comes after nearly 50 years of service at Nestlé, including 14 years on the Executive Board and almost 9 years as CEO.
Nestlé’s current Vice Chairman, Pablo Isla, has been selected by the Nestlé Board of Directors for election as the incoming Chairman.
“It has been a true privilege and a pleasure to be part of Nestlé’s journey over so many years, providing me with enriching experiences and responsibilities, ultimately as Chair of the Board of Directors,” says Bulcke.
“I am confident that with Pablo Isla, Laurent Freixe as well as a strong Executive Team and Board of Directors, the Company is in trusted hands and will continue its promising growth and value creation journey. It is the right moment for me to dedicate more time to my family and to embrace my many other interests.”
Pablo Isla joined Nestlé’s Board of Directors in 2018. He was CEO of Inditex from 2005 to 2011 and Chairman and CEO of Inditex from 2011 to 2022.
“I thank the Board for its confidence in proposing me as Chairman and look forward to working with Laurent Freixe for Nestlé’s continued success,” says Isa.
“I am enthusiastic about taking on this new role, as I fully identify with Nestlé’s Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy and its Creating Shared Value approach to business.”
Laurent Freixe, Nestlé CEO since 1 September 2024, highlighted that the new team is well equipped to continue Nestlé’s leadership in the nutrition, health, and wellness sectors and foster the company’s values and principles.
“I am honoured and excited to continue leading and accelerating Nestlé’s performance and transformation,” says Freixe.
“I thank Paul for the trust he gave me over many years, and I look forward to working with Pablo, the full Board, and the entire Nestlé team as well as all our stakeholders, as we pursue our strategy.”
