Richard Watson has been named as the Ceo of Nestlé UK & Ireland, as Stefano Agostini moves to a new role as Head of Confectionery for Nestlé's Zone Europe. Both changes will take effect on March 1st 2023.
Agostini joined Nestlé in 1989 and has been CEO since 2017. He set ambitious targets and let the business to a turnover of over £3 billion during the pandemic.
Stefano Agostini
"It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead this great business in the UK and Ireland. I am proud of the many things that we have achieved as a team, the way we have risen to challenges and moved our business forward,” said Agostini.
"Our food industry is a valuable asset to the UK and Ireland and I have been proud to work alongside other manufacturers, retailers and farmers to help raise the voice of our sector and make it more resilient."
"My family has made this country home, and I am thankful for the brilliant and welcoming people we have lived and worked alongside. I am excited about the challenge ahead, leading our Confectionery business across Europe, and I wish Richard all the very best as he steps into a role that I have truly enjoyed for the last six years."
Watson is the current Managing Director for Confectionery in the UK & Ireland and becomes CEO in his 27th year with the company.
"I am honoured and incredibly excited to be taking on such an important role at such an important time. The UK and Ireland mean a lot to Nestlé, and it means a lot to me. I first joined Nestlé Purina in the UK in 1996 and have been lucky enough to build a career here over the last quarter of a century.
"This is one of Nestlé's biggest markets, and from experience, I know it's a great place to do business, to innovate, to grow and to work with very talented people. Equally, I know Nestlé continues to have a huge role to play in the UK and Ireland. We are a big part of communities here as a major manufacturer, an employer, an exporter and we are fortunate to provide many brands that families and pets have been relying on and enjoying for generations.
"I would like to thank Stefano for his leadership in the last six years and wish him well in his new role. I am really looking forward to getting started and leading this brilliant team into its exciting next phase."
