Nestlé USA recently announced the appointment of Martin Thompson as CEO, effective January. Thompson will report to Steve Presley, who will oversee Nestlé’s operations in Latin America and North America. Thompson originally joined Nestlé through the acquisition of Starbucks consumer packaged goods and foodservice products business in 2018. He later became the president of Nestlé Coffee Partners, responsible for brands such as Nescafé, Starbucks at Home, and Seattle’s Best.
This appointment comes amidst a series of C-suite changes at Nestlé over the last three months as the company faces challenges with slowing sales growth. In August, Laurent Freixe was named CEO, followed by an organizational restructuring and cost-cutting measures announced in November.
Nestlé has been impacted by changing consumer habits, leading to decreased demand for products like frozen foods. Despite these challenges, the company remains focused on driving growth and efficiency within its operations. Thompson’s extensive experience in the CPG industry, including leadership roles at Ghirardelli Chocolate, Clorox, and Procter & Gamble, positions him well to lead Nestlé USA through these turbulent times.
Under Thompson’s leadership, Nestlé’s coffee division has seen significant growth, with profitable gains and increased market share. Presley praised Thompson for his role in expanding the Starbucks business globally and driving the success of Nescafé in the U.S. market.
Thompson’s appointment reflects Nestlé’s strategy of promoting talent from within the company to drive innovation and growth. As Nestlé continues to navigate the changing landscape of the food and beverage industry, having a seasoned executive like Thompson at the helm will be crucial in positioning the company for success in the future.
