Nestlé to integrate waters business into multiple geographical zones

Global food and beverage company Nestlé is set to integrate the Nestlé Waters business into the group’s three geographical zones, effective 1 January next year.

The company will create a dedicated Strategic Business Unit (SBU), which will ensure strategic alignment globally, as well as manage the core global functions of its waters business.

The Waters SBU will report to Nestlé executive board member and business units, marketing & sales head, Patrice Bula.

the move will help the company to meet consumer preferences and fast-track profitable growth, while creating synergies, said Nestlé.

Created by the company in 1992 following the acquisition of Source Perrier, the Nestlé Waters business saw a rapid expansion globally. It serves as an integral part of Nestlé’s nutrition, health and wellness strategy.

Its brands include San Pellegrino, Perrier, Acqua Panna, Poland Spring and Nestlé Pure Life.

Additionally, Nestlé Waters head and deputy executive vice-president Maurizio Patarnello will leave the Nestlé Executive Board on 31 December.

However, Patarnello has agreed to advise the waters business to ensure a smooth transition to the organisational structure.

The company has also appointed Sanjay Bahadur to the executive board as deputy executive vice-president from January.

Sanjay will lead the newly created Group Strategy and Business Development function that will help the company in identifying internal and external strategic growth opportunities.

In its nine-month sales report for this year, Nestlé announced plans to distribute CHF20bn ($20.1bn) to its stakeholders from 2020 to 2022 in the form of share buybacks.

Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider said: “Nestlé’s growth was supported by investment behind our brands, rapid innovation and disciplined execution. During the third quarter, the roll-out of Starbucks products continued, now reaching 34 countries.”