Pablo Isla to take over from Paul Bulcke at Nestlé

Nestlé has nominated vice chairman Pablo Isla as its next chairman after the FMCG giant’s longest-serving chairman Paul Bulcke decided to step down and not seek re-election.

Buckle will exit his position following Nestlé’s annual general meeting (AGM) on 16 April 2026 after being with the company for nearly five decades with the company.

Isla, former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Inditex, joined Nestlé’s Board of Directors in 2018. Since last year, he has served as vice chairman and lead independent director and is a member of the Nomination, Compensation, and Chairman’s and Corporate Governance Committees.

“The Board of Directors has decided to propose Pablo Isla, Nestlé’s current Vice Chairman, for election as Chairman at the AGM on 16 April 2026, allowing time for a smooth transition and an orderly hand-over,” the company said in a statement.

Bulcke began his career at Nestlé in 1979. He joined the executive Board in 2004, was CEO from 2008 to 2016, and became chairman in 2017. His tenure covered key periods of change, including global expansion and shifts in the company’s nutrition and health focus.

“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 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,” Bulcke said.

Laurent Freixe, who became CEO last September and joined the Board in April, will lead Nestlé alongside Isla. Freixe has previously managed key geographic zones for the company.

“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. 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,” Isla said.