His career highlights include 14 years on the Executive Board, almost 9 years as Chief Executive Officer, and 9 years in his current role as Chairman. The company stated that this decision represents the end of a long and esteemed career at Nestlé.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the Board has nominated Vice Chairman Pablo Isla as the next Chairman. Shareholders will have the opportunity to approve his nomination at the 2026 AGM.
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Paul Bulcke commenced his journey with Nestlé in 1979 and became a member of the Executive Board in 2004, overseeing Zone Americas. He joined the Board of Directors in 2008, served as CEO from 2008 to 2016, and has been Chairman of the Board since April 2017.
Pablo Isla, who served as CEO of Inditex from 2005 to 2011 and then as Chairman and CEO from 2011 to 2022, became a member of Nestlé’s Board of Directors in 2018. He has held the position of Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director since 2024 and is a participant in the Nomination, Compensation, as well as the Chairman’s and Corporate Governance Committees.
Alongside Laurent Freixe, who took on the role of CEO of Nestlé on September 1, 2024 and joined the Board of Directors in April 2025, the new leadership team is poised to further Nestlé’s excellence in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness, while upholding the company’s values and principles.
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Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke remarked, “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.
I am confident that with Pablo Isla, Laurent Freixe, and a robust Executive Team and Board of Directors, the Company is in capable hands and will continue its promising growth and value creation journey. It is the appropriate moment for me to dedicate more time to my family and pursue my many other interests.”
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